As the first rays of dawn touched the horizon, the 27th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone (from Hunan Province) gathered in full force. Embarking on a journey of over 100 kilometers, the team headed to Rokel Village in Port Loko District to launch their first rural mobile clinic and a series of public welfare initiatives since their arrival in the country. After a grueling three-and-a-half-hour drive over rugged terrain, the team arrived to establish a “frontline of health” on the sun-drenched yellow earth.
The clinic was set up adjacent to a local Muslim primary school. Despite the exhaustion from the long journey and the sweltering heat, the medical experts immediately began seeing patients. A comprehensive range of specialties—including Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Surgery, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, and Otolaryngology—worked in unison to provide organized and efficient care.
In just three hours, the team provided nearly 300 consultations. Addressing common chronic and acute local conditions, the experts provided tailored prescriptions and essential medications. For critical cases, they offered vital referrals for surgery or hospitalization, effectively addressing the “last mile” challenge for villagers who otherwise lack access to specialized care.
“The current state of chronic disease prevention here requires urgent attention,” noted Professor Sheng Jie, a cardiovascular specialist. During the clinic, he diagnosed a man in his 30s with a blood pressure of 224/116 mmHg—a critical level indicating an imminent risk of a cardiovascular accident. Shockingly, the patient had never monitored his blood pressure before.
Professor Sheng emphasized: “Many patients lack the awareness of hypertension monitoring. It is imperative that we conduct more health education initiatives at the grassroots level. By bringing medical science to communities, we can empower local residents to manage their health, enabling early detection and intervention.”
In the surgical department, specialist Jin Xiaoxin successfully treated a 7-year-old boy suffering from an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Relying on years of clinical experience, Dr. Jin performed a manual reduction on-site, effectively resolving the acute risk. Simultaneously, ophthalmologist Wang Jinwei and otolaryngologist Gao Kelei provided expert diagnostic advice to patients suffering from vision and hearing impairments.
In the pediatric section, specialists Shuai Lanjun, Jin Xiaoxin, and Zhou Ning focused on the prevalent issue of parasitic infections among local children. As they distributed Albendazole tablets, they were met by the clear, eager eyes of the village children. Alongside the medicine, the team shared a touch of sweetness from China—traditional “White Rabbit” creamy candies. The gesture transformed the somber clinic into a scene of warmth and laughter.
This mission extended beyond clinical services. Simultaneously, TCM experts Zhou Shengqiang and Li Duandan launched the “New Era Shennong Tasting Hundreds of Herbs” initiative, while Dr. Song Yuying spearheaded the “Cervical Cancer Comprehensive Prevention and Control Action.” From identifying medicinal plants in the virgin forests to conducting gynecological screenings on improvised “exam beds” made of long wooden benches, the team worked tirelessly to fill critical gaps in local primary healthcare.
Captain Li Zheng stated that the entire team’s commitment to the front lines embodies the spirit of the Chinese Medical Team: “braving hardships, dedicating themselves to saving lives, and demonstrating boundless love.” This 100-kilometer journey was more than a medical
service; it was a profound dialogue of hearts between the people of China and Sierra Leone.
