Dr You Xiong, the project leader giving overview of the project
In celebration of Acupuncture Day, the Chinese Medical Team officially launched a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pilot project on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. The project aims to enhance healthcare services in Sierra Leone by integrating TCM practices.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, a therapeutic method with thousands of years of history, involves techniques like acupuncture, which uses fine needles inserted at specific points to stimulate energy pathways, or “meridians,” to regulate Qi (vital energy), balance Yin and Yang, relieve pain, boost immunity, treat chronic conditions, and promote overall wellness.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Charles Senessie expressed enthusiasm for the project, commending President Bio’s dedication to human capital development. He highlighted the enduring partnership between Sierra Leone and China, which has been strengthened by mutual support, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Senessie called for a collective commitment to advancing African traditional medicine alongside TCM, pledging the ministry’s full support for the project and the continued expansion of sustainable healthcare across Sierra Leone.
“I hope this Traditional Chinese Medicine project reaches not only Freetown but all regions of Sierra Leone. With strong ministry backing, we aim to build a sustainable healthcare system, especially in terms of quality care,” Dr. Senessie stated, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to popularizing TCM for human capital development.
Representing the Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Dianbin noted TCM as a “national treasure of China,” with a 5,000-year legacy and thousands of years of practice. He relayed President Xi Jinping’s vision of promoting TCM globally to help prevent and treat diseases and build a healthier world.
Dianbin highlighted TCM’s role in the fight against COVID-19 and shared that TCM practices are now present in 196 countries, supported by over 100,000 registered practitioners worldwide. China has also dispatched medical teams to 76 countries, each with at least one TCM specialist.
Zhang praised the longstanding health cooperation between China and Sierra Leone, a relationship that has endured for 50 years.
The partnership has seen both countries combat Ebola and COVID-19 together, and China has supported the construction of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital.
Zhang also announced plans for a “paired hospital project” to introduce telemedicine, further strengthening healthcare collaboration.
“Over the past years, we have accomplished much together, and by learning from each other’s strengths, we can innovate further,” Zhang concluded.
Connaught Hospital Manager Dr. Mark Kapuwa echoed the benefits of international partnerships, emphasizing how knowledge sharing, best practices, and mutual support have enhanced Sierra Leone’s healthcare capabilities. Connaught Hospital, the country’s largest referral hospital, plays a key role in delivering quality healthcare and has greatly benefited from such global collaborations.
Through this TCM project, China and Sierra Leone aim to bring accessible, quality healthcare services to Sierra Leoneans, building on a foundation of cooperation and shared medical expertise.
