The Sierra Leone-China Paired Hospital Cooperation Mechanism Project was officially launched at Jui Hospital in a ceremony attended by senior government officials, healthcare professionals, and international representatives.
Dignitaries present included the Honorable Acting Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Senessie; Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Wang Peng; Chair of the Board of Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Professor Zhang Xin; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie Kenneh; Senior Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andrew Sorie; and the WHO Country Representative, Dr. George Ameh. Also in attendance were medical superintendents from Connaught, 34 Military, Jui, and Bo Government Hospitals, the 26th China Medical Team, and representatives from over a dozen international and non-governmental organizations, alongside numerous Sierra Leonean doctors and nurses.
The initiative, part of a special program championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, establishes a partnership between Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital. Key features of the project include the creation of a state-of-the-art telemedicine center and the enhancement of cardiology, ENT, and ophthalmology departments. These advancements aim to bring China’s latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to Sierra Leone, significantly improving healthcare services for the local population.
Speeches were delivered by Minister Senessie, Mr. Wang Peng, Professor Zhang Xin, and other key figures. They highlighted the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and China, particularly their collaboration during the Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox outbreaks. Speakers emphasized the importance of using this project as a platform to expand healthcare cooperation and to benefit an even greater number of Sierra Leoneans.
Following the ceremony, attendees toured the newly established telemedicine center, viewed demonstrations, and inspected the donated medical equipment and facilities.
