China Sends New Medical Team to Sierra Leone
By Forum staff writer
The Embassy of China in Sierra Leone has bid farewell to the 26th Chinese Medical Team while officially welcoming the 27th batch to continue providing healthcare services in the country.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, March 6, 2026, at the embassy’s premises on Spur Loop in Wilberforce, Freetown. The event marked the transition of China’s long running medical assistance programme in Sierra Leone, which continues to support healthcare delivery through the Sierra Leone–China Friendship Hospital located in Jui.
Speaking during the event, Captain of the outgoing team, Dr. Liu Longfei, reflected on the work carried out by the 26th Chinese Medical Team during their mission in Sierra Leone.
According to Dr. Liu Longfei, the team provided medical services to about 35,000 patients during their deployment. He said the team conducted around 15,000 consultations in traditional Chinese medicine and successfully performed 1,015 surgical operations.
He added that the medical team also responded to more than 100 emergency and critical care cases while working closely with local medical professionals.
Dr. Liu Longfei noted that beyond hospital services, the team carried out community outreach programmes aimed at improving public health awareness. Medical personnel visited schools, workplaces and communities to educate people on health related issues.
He disclosed that the team organized 36 public health outreach activities which reached more than 10,000 people across different parts of the country.
In addition to providing clinical services, Dr. Liu Longfei explained that strengthening the capacity of local health workers remained a key focus of the mission. He said the team organized 50 professional training programmes and several public health education sessions that benefited more than 1,000 local health workers.
He further revealed that the team introduced new medical practices at the Sierra Leone–China Friendship Hospital including implant procedures, improved ultrasound services and multidisciplinary case discussions.
According to him, four specialized centers were also established at the hospital. These include the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, the First Aid Training Center, the Emergency and Trauma Medicine Center and the Rehabilitation Medicine Center.
Captain of the incoming team, Dr. Li Zheng, said members of the 27th Chinese Medical Team had already completed a handover process with their predecessors to ensure continuity of services.
Dr. Li Zheng commended the outgoing team for their dedication and contributions to healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone. He announced that the new team has officially begun an 18 month medical assistance mission in the country.
He said the team will focus on hospital based treatment while also carrying out outreach programmes in rural communities. The new team will also provide free medical consultations and health education aimed at promoting disease prevention and healthy living.
Dean of the Sierra Leone–China Friendship Hospital, Dr. Augustine Tarawally, praised the outgoing team for their professionalism and strong collaboration with local staff.
He disclosed that during the team’s period of service the hospital recorded zero maternal deaths and only two neonatal deaths, describing it as a significant achievement.
China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, also commended the team for their commitment and service to communities.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, described the cooperation between Sierra Leone and China as a strong example of international partnership in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The Chinese Medical Team programme has operated in Sierra Leone for decades and continues to play an important role in supporting medical services, training health workers and strengthening hospital systems across the country.
