Sierra Leone opened its first traditional Chinese medicine center in Freetown on February 28, 2025. The center is part of efforts to enhance healthcare by integrating TCM therapies. It follows a community health project by Chinese doctors aimed at treating common diseases, with significant public engagement through free acupuncture services.
On February 28, 2025, Sierra Leone inaugurated its first traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) center in Freetown, signifying a notable advancement in the nation’s healthcare framework. This initiative is part of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to integrate TCM therapies to enhance public health outcomes. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from both China and Sierra Leone, highlighting the collaborative commitment to health improvements in the region.
The establishment of the TCM center followed a community health investigation led by Chinese doctors aimed at addressing prevalent ailments such as hypertension and chronic pain. During this initiative, free acupuncture services were provided to thousands of residents, contributing significantly to the local understanding of TCM’s efficacy. You Xiong, deputy head of the Chinese medical team, noted the positive responses from patients regarding these acupuncture treatments.
At the inauguration, Charles Senessie, the Deputy Health Minister of Sierra Leone, praised the longstanding partnership with China in enhancing healthcare and promoting traditional medicine. He emphasized the strides made in incorporating TCM into the national health system and expressed optimism that the TCM center would facilitate the training of local practitioners.
Since the arrival of the first Chinese medical team in 1973, China has dispatched a total of 25 medical teams to Sierra Leone, significantly impacting the country’s healthcare sector. This ongoing collaboration has fostered a deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, with TCM playing a pivotal role in health advancements and community wellness.
The inauguration of Sierra Leone’s first TCM center represents a significant leap forward in the nation’s healthcare strategy, enhancing access to effective medical treatments. The partnership between China and Sierra Leone continues to yield constructive outcomes, with expectations for improved healthcare delivery and community health education in the future. This initiative is poised to benefit many and strengthen the bonds between the two countries.
Original Source: www.globaltimes.cn
