Residents of Waterloo and surrounding communities received free medical services on October 10 during a health outreach held at the Waterloo Community Health Center in the Western Area Rural District.

The programme was organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone and the 27th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone. It also included the donation of medicines and medical supplies to support residents and strengthen the capacity of the local facility.

Services provided

Medical services available during the outreach included general health checks, blood pressure measurements, blood sugar testing and consultations focused on women’s and children’s health.

Eye screening was also offered through the Bright Side programme. The Chinese medical team provided traditional Chinese medicine treatments, including acupuncture and massage.

The initiative brought together Chinese diplomatic representatives, medical professionals, business leaders, local health authorities and community members.

Calls for wider outreach

Kiskama Fomba Swarray, Principal Public Health Superintendent for the Western Area Rural District, said the programme was important because it delivered medical attention, increased public awareness and encouraged residents to take greater responsibility for their health.

Swarray also recalled that the Chinese medical team had made a well-coordinated and beneficial visit to the community in May. She encouraged organisers to expand future programmes so they can accommodate more patients and reach additional communities.

Zhou Jienan said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to improving community healthcare and strengthening relations between the peoples of Sierra Leone and China.

Lu Yanghui, representing the Chinese Embassy, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of Sierra Leoneans. Yanghui described healthcare as fundamental to human development and quality of life, and urged health professionals to maintain professionalism, dedication and compassion.

Yanghui also called on Chinese enterprises operating in Sierra Leone to fulfil their social responsibilities, comply with local laws, create employment opportunities and contribute to environmental protection and community development.

Feng Tao, representing the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, described the free clinic and medicine donation as practical expressions of friendship. Tao said international cooperation should bring benefits to ordinary people and noted that Chinese enterprises could contribute to employment, economic growth and national development.

The outreach formed part of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, against the background of China-Sierra Leone diplomatic ties reaching 55 years. Organisers and participants also urged the Chinese government, the Chamber of Commerce and the medical team to sustain and expand their partnership.