By Komba Fillie
In a significant boost to Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, the Chinese Medical Team has established the country’s first On-Site First Responder Action Training Center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital. The initiative, launched on September 9, 2025, represents a major advancement in emergency medical response capabilities and marks a new chapter in health cooperation between the two nations.
The opening ceremony witnessed the participation of high-level officials from both countries, including Captain Liu Longfei of the Chinese Medical Team, Chang Shi (Deputy Director General of Health Commission of Hunan Province), Andrew Sorie (Permanent Secretary of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health), and Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing. The event also featured a World Heart Day free clinic, providing immediate healthcare services to community members.
Captain Liu Longfei emphasized that the event marked a new chapter in their collaboration with Sierra Leone, stating that the medical team remained dedicated to the health and safety of the local population. He highlighted their ongoing cooperation with the Chinese Embassy and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, reaffirming their commitment to providing quality medical support as part of their mission to safeguard lives.
Chang Shi, Deputy Director General of Health Commission of Hunan Province, described China as a reliable friend of Sierra Leone and praised the work being done at the Friendship Hospital, which serves patients from across the country. He assured attendees that China would continue to send professional medical teams to help upgrade Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, noting that China had always kept its promises in supporting the nation.
The training center operates under the principle of “First Aid for All, First Aid by All,” bringing together governments, health institutions, educational facilities, businesses, and community organizations. The program is designed to train Sierra Leoneans in essential emergency medical services, equipping them with vital skills to effectively handle first aid situations and medical emergencies.
Andrew Sorie, Permanent Secretary of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, acknowledged the quality work provided by the Chinese Medical Team, stating that this initiative deepens the relationship between the two countries. He noted that they had witnessed firsthand the difference the Chinese team makes in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, praising the partnership that has developed between the nations.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Qing addressed participants, noting that the medical team from Hunan Province has been engaged in various successful medical initiatives and health worker training programs over the years. He mentioned that the center would bring medical services closer to local communities and revealed ongoing discussions with the Sierra Leonean government about upgrading services at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of longstanding medical cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. Chief Medical Officer Sartie Kanneh of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health noted that China had provided crucial support during critical times including the Ebola outbreak, COVID-19 pandemic, and recent Monkeypox disease outbreaks. He expressed excitement about the first onsite first-aid center, which he said would alleviate many challenges people currently face regarding emergency treatment.
