By Komba Fillie
The 26th Batch of the Chinese Medical Team (CMT) officially inaugurated its first training course on appropriate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques at Pingkang Dental University in Freetown on June 26. The two-day event marks a significant step in enhancing the relationship between China and Sierra Leone, emphasizing mutual cooperation in the healthcare sector.
The training course serves as a practical step towards bolstering healthcare collaboration between China and Sierra Leone while promoting the integration of TCM into local health systems. As the demonstration of TCM techniques unfolded, participants witnessed firsthand the warmth, effectiveness, and humanity inherent in this ancient practice, fostering hopes for a stronger health system rooted in the principles of traditional medicine.
Captain Liu Long Fei, the Team Leader of the 26th Chinese (Hunan) Medical Team to Sierra Leone, expressed the commitment of his team since their arrival on March 5 this year. “Our team has been fully engaged in our duties at Jui Hospital,” he remarked. “Working alongside local doctors, we have successfully provided thousands of outpatient, emergency, and surgical services.” He highlighted the challenges posed by chronic and infectious diseases, stating their approach integrates TCM with modern Western practices to formulate comprehensive solutions for patients.
The core objective of the training program is to provide structured instruction in essential TCM techniques, including meridian theory, acupuncture, tuina (manual therapy), and cupping. “Particularly, we focus on real-world clinical applications tailored to address lumbar disc herniation, which is a common affliction here in Sierra Leone,” said Captain Liu. Participants passing the final assessment will receive an official TCM Appropriate Technology Certificate and may qualify for clinical shadowing opportunities at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital’s TCM Center, fostering further professional development.
Liu emphasized the importance of cultivating a local cadre of healthcare professionals proficient in TCM techniques, aiming to build a sustainable healthcare workforce dedicated to serving their communities independently. “Our vision is to establish a ‘TCM team that cannot be taken away,’ rooted in Sierra Leone, continuing to provide care to those in need,” he stated.
During the event, Junior Bio, Sports Ambassador, spoke about the significance of advancing health through innovation and collaboration, commending the vital contributions of Chinese medical professionals to Sierra Leone’s healthcare landscape. He expressed unwavering support towards their initiatives and efforts.
Wang Peng, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, elaborated on the rich history of TCM, which spans over 5,000 years, and has proven effective in treating various diseases. He stressed the role of TCM during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks and noted its widespread use across 196 countries and regions globally. “Our specialized doctors in TCM have established a dedicated center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital,” he said, expressing satisfaction that the local populace has embraced TCM, symbolizing the growing friendship between the two nations.
