In a remarkable display of international cooperation and humanitarian spirit, the 25th batch of the China (Hunan) Medical Team (CMT) partnered with Leone Rock to deliver free medical services across Sierra Leone. Over two days, the team conducted four charitable clinics at Pepel Port, the Tonkolili Mine, and the villages of Kegbema in Dansogoia Chiefdom and Pepel in Kamasondo Chiefdom.
The initiative provided comprehensive medical care to company employees and local villagers. Specialists in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and laboratory medicine set up temporary clinics, offering detailed health check-ups, professional diagnoses, and treatments. The team also distributed free medications and provided guidance on disease prevention, rehabilitation, and medication use.
To further support the community, CMT conducted health education sessions, addressing critical topics like hand hygiene, infectious disease prevention, and maternal and child healthcare. These efforts were widely praised by both Chinese and Sierra Leonean participants, who expressed deep gratitude for the team’s professionalism and dedication.
The clinics at the Tonkolili Mine posed significant logistical challenges, requiring nearly 10 hours of travel by car, boat, and train. Despite its remote location, the mine stands as a symbol of China’s engagement in Africa, with its management emphasizing not only economic growth but also social responsibility. The company has previously invested in local infrastructure, donating schools and roads.
“This medical outreach reflects our commitment to improving the well-being of employees and surrounding communities,” said Mr. Lu, head of the Tonkolili Mine. “In an area with limited medical resources, the arrival of the China Medical Team brings not only health but also hope and warmth to everyone here.”
CMT has pledged to continue its mission of serving Chinese expatriates, employees of Chinese enterprises, and local communities in Sierra Leone. Beyond their ongoing work at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, the team plans to expand its mobile clinics to reach even more remote areas, living up to their ethos of “undaunted by hardships and committed to saving lives.”
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