Freetown, October 3, 2025 – On the third day of the National Day holiday, the CMT in Sierra Leone responded to an urgent request from a Chinese enterprise in the country: a local worker had suffered a severe finger amputation during operations, leading to profuse bleeding. Given the limited local expertise in managing complex hand trauma, the patient’s health were under serious threat, necessitating immediate assistance from the CMT.
Upon receiving the call, the aid team promptly activated an emergency response. A specialized treatment group was quickly assembled, comprising Deputy Chief Physician Dr. Zeng Lei from Orthopedics, Deputy Chief Physician Dr. Liu Bo from General Surgery, Senior Nurses Hong Yuan and Liu Xue . The team rushed to the patient’s side without delay.
Examination revealed multiple injuries to the patient’s right hand, with the ring finger most critically affected – hanging by only a small bridge of skin in a state of incomplete amputation. Without timely surgical intervention, the finger faced almost certain necrosis.
The medical team swiftly completed their assessment. While re-sterilizing and bandaging the wound to control bleeding, they expedited pre-operative preparations and formulated a precise surgical plan tailored to the injury. Led by Dr. Zeng Lei, with Senior Nurse Hong Yuan providing integral support, a high-stakes race against time commenced at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital.
Working within the constraints of Sierra Leone’s basic medical infrastructure and facing the demands of complex wound management and meticulous microsurgery, the team remained composed and systematic. Under the operating lights, each member executed their role with seamless coordination: they began with thorough debridement of the finger, carefully identified and marked nerves and blood vessels, performed precise bone fixation, and proceeded to meticulously repair nerves and blood vessels, followed by nail bed reconstruction. Throughout the procedure, sweat soaked through their scrubs, yet their focus never wavered, driven by the singular goal of preserving the patient’s hand function.
After more than two hours of intense effort, the surgery was successfully completed. Upon learning that his finger had a strong chance of regaining function, the patient was moved to tears, repeatedly expressing his profound gratitude to the medical team in simple, heartfelt words. Post-operative monitoring indicated stable condition, good blood circulation in the replanted finger, and recovery progressing as expected.
The significance of this operation extends far beyond the single life-saving procedure – it marks the first successful finger replantation surgery in Sierra Leone’s medical history and reinforces a bond of China-Africa friendship spanning 62 years. In 1963, Professor Zhongwei Chen, later a Chinese Academy of Engineering academician, performed the world’s first successful limb replantation, pioneering the field. That same year, China dispatched its first medical aid team to Africa, initiating its long-standing mission of medical assistance to the continent. Over the past 62 years, China’s finger replantation techniques have continuously advanced, saving the limbs and functions of countless patients. Concurrently, Chinese medical aid teams in Africa have consistently upheld the spirit of “fearing no hardship, being dedicated to selfless, healing the wounded and rescuing the dying, and boundless love,” delivering hope and health to African communities.
Now, during the National Day holiday, the CMT in Sierra Leone has successfully introduced this sophisticated technique, originating from China, for the first time in Sierra Leone. This achievement not only represents a major breakthrough in local hand surgery capabilities but also tangibly fulfills the commitment to China-Sierra Leone medical cooperation. Sierra Leonean medical staff spoke highly of the surgery, praising the Chinese team’s professional competence and dedication. They noted that this feat strengthens the foundation for deeper collaboration between the medical teams of both nations and further deepens the friendship between the Chinese and Sierra Leonean people, forged in life-saving efforts.
Looking ahead, the CMT in Sierra Leone will continue to work hand-in-hand with their Sierra Leonean counterparts, bringing more Chinese medical expertise and experience to the region. Through professionalism and a profound sense of responsibility, they remain committed to safeguarding the health of the African people, ensuring that the flower of China-Sierra Leone friendship continues to blossom vibrantly in the fertile ground of medical cooperation.
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