On March 5, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health jointly hosted a farewell-and-welcome reception for members of the 26th and 27th Chinese medical teams dispatched to Sierra Leone. Ambassador Zhao Yong and Minister of Health Dr. Demby attended and delivered remarks, joined by representatives from the Ministry of Health, the China–Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, and international organizations.
Ambassador Zhao praised the 26th medical team for its outstanding work and warmly welcomed the 27th team as it arrived to assume its duties. He noted that China will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in health and medical field with an aim to deliver fresh outcomes. Minister Demby spoke highly of China’s important contributions to strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system and advancing public health, expressed appreciation for the dedication of the 26th team, and encouraged the 27th team to uplift the China–Sierra Leone medical cooperation to a new level.
Since 1973, the Chinese government has dispatched 27 medical teams to Sierra Leone—427 personnel deployments in total. Together, they have treated more than one million local patients and provided training to over 6,000 Sierra Leonean healthcare workers.
