The 26th Batch of the Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone held a special free medical consultation for children at the Saint George Foundation Children’s Welfare Institute on June 14, 2025, in honor of the Day of the African Child. The event blended essential medical services with acts of kindness aimed at fostering warmth and compassion among the vulnerable children of the community.
The celebration was marked by gratitude and hope as representatives from both the foundation and the Chinese delegation acknowledged the importance of such collaboration. This occasion marks the second time the Chinese Medical Team has provided support to the Saint George Foundation, further solidifying the bond between China and Sierra Leone as reliable partners in various fields, particularly in healthcare.
“We are honored to bring warmth and compassion to these children today,” said Liu Long Fei, Team Leader of the 26th Batch of the Chinese Medical Team. “Since our arrival in Sierra Leone, we have maintained our commitment to ‘putting people and life first,’ ensuring that we serve those in need.”
In a heartfelt address, Liu highlighted the long-standing diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone, emphasizing the essential role medical cooperation plays in their relationship. Since the first Chinese medical team was established in 1973, a total of 26 batches have been dispatched, contributing to the health sector and nurturing the friendship between the two nations.
“The seeds of friendship we plant here today should grow strong in the hearts of these children,” Liu added, expressing hope for the continuity of Sino-Sierra Leonean relationships through future generations. “I wish every child good health, happiness, and a bright future. May the friendship between China and Sierra Leone thrive and be passed on from generation to generation.”
Justina Zainab Conteh, Executive Director of the Saint George Foundation, expressed her deep appreciation for the medical support provided by the Chinese Medical Team. “For 21 years, we have been dedicated to supporting vulnerable children,” she said. “Medical services have always posed a challenge, as it can be costly to transport children to hospitals. This initiative celebrating the Day of the African Child significantly enhances our healthcare delivery efforts.”
Daniel Gbao, Deputy Director of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, echoed similar sentiments, thanking the Chinese Medical Team for complementing the government’s initiatives to provide quality medical services. He encouraged ongoing collaboration, emphasizing the necessity of supporting vulnerable children in the community.
“Your efforts truly complement what we aim to achieve as a government,” Gbao stated. “We hope the Chinese Medical Team will continue its invaluable work here in Sierra Leone.”
During the event, children not only received medical consultations but were also gifted school materials and food items from the Chinese delegation. Each activity underscored the theme of care and support that the medical team wishes to impart to the children of the foundation.
Liu noted the array of activities included not just health consultations but also traditional Chinese medicine therapy, language classes, cultural food tastings, and traditional games. “We bring hope, trust, and care,” he said. “Children are the future of every nation, and seeing their bright smiles is our greatest motivation.”
