By Komba Fillie
In a vibrant display of cultural exchange, the 26th Batch of the Chinese Medical Team, in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, celebrated the 34th World Traditional Medicine Day on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The event was held at the Amphitheatre of Fourah Bay College in Freetown, coinciding with the traditional Chinese Double Ninth Festival.
In his opening remarks, the Captain of the 26th Batch of the Chinese Medical Team, Dr. Liu Longfei, underscored the significance of the dual celebration. He explained that the Double Ninth Festival is a traditional Chinese day for honoring the elderly and promoting well-being.
Dr. Liu expressed his appreciation to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and the Confucius Institute for their steadfast support of Sino-Sierra Leonean cooperation in the health sector. He noted that traditional medicine represents the collective wisdom of humanity in the pursuit of harmony and health.
“In China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes balance between man and nature and focuses on preventive care,” Dr. Liu stated. “Similarly, here in Sierra Leone, local herbal medicine also values healing through nature.”
The event’s theme, “Traditional Medicine, Shared Health; Wellness and Warmth in the Double Ninth,” highlighted its role not only as a medical and cultural exchange but also as a dialogue between two civilizations. The celebration featured exhibitions, free clinics, tea ceremonies, and demonstrations of Tai Chi and Baduanjin. Dr. Liu recalled that Chinese physicians understood over two thousand years ago that true health lies in the harmony of the body.
In her statement, the representative from the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, Wu Cui, described the event as an honor and a historic occasion.
“The Chinese Medical Team has given so much of its heart and skills for the health of the people in Sierra Leone,” she said. “This celebration brings together two meaningful traditions: World Traditional Medicine Day and China’s Double Ninth Festival. Both celebrate traditional wisdom from Africa and China the value of respecting elders, and the importance of health in our communities.”
She emphasized that the event was more than just a cultural exchange; it was a meeting of hearts. “Traditional medicine teaches us to live in harmony with nature, and the Double Ninth Festival reminds us to honor our elders, who hold life’s stories and healing knowledge.” The celebration included cultural displays, health talks, free medical check-ups, and interactive activities.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Anya Chen discussed the growing place of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Sierra Leone. She explained that TCM offers a unique approach to health, blending ancient wisdom with modern practice.
“From a TCM perspective, health depends on the smooth flow of ‘Qi,’ or vital energy. Illness arises when this flow is blocked,” Dr. Chen stated. “Acupuncture uses fine needles at specific points to unblock stagnation and encourage the body’s natural healing. Similarly, herbal medicine uses natural formulas to address the root cause of an imbalance, not just the symptoms.”
Dr. Chen noted a positive shift in the local perception of TCM. “While Western medicine is often the first choice for acute conditions, people are increasingly seeing TCM as a holistic alternative for chronic issues. This change is largely driven by word-of-mouth success.”
She highlighted that the greatest benefit of TCM is its proactive approach to wellness. “It empowers individuals to understand their body’s signals and maintain balance,” she explained. Dr. Chen often provides patients with preventive lifestyle advice tailored to their constitution, including dietary recommendations, stress management techniques, and guidance on moderate exercise.
