On December 19, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone warmly received the 24th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone, the 7th group of Chinese military medical experts to Sierra Leone, and the 8th group of Chinese fixed biological safety laboratory experts to Sierra Leone at the State House. This gathering celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Dispatching the First China Medical Team Abroad and the 50th Anniversary of Dispatching the First China Medical Team to Sierra Leone. Among the members of the 24th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone were three doctors from Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (CSU): Dr. Xia Ke from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dr. Fang Xing from the Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, and Dr. Wang Wanpeng from the Department of Ophthalmology. They had the honor of meeting President Bio and were awarded the National Outstanding Contribution by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation of Sierra Leone during a Picture Exhibition marking the anniversaries.

2023 marks the 60th Anniversary of Dispatching the First China Medical Team Abroad. Beyond that, this year also honors the Chinese medical teams’ spirit of “fear no hardships, selfless dedication, life-saving and healing, and boundless love” as put forward by President Xi Jinping a decade ago. President Bio expressed gratitude for China's support across various sectors in Sierra Leone. He commended the contributions of the Chinese medical team in promoting medical and health services in Sierra Leone over the past 50 years. Furthermore, he highlighted that the collaboration in medical and health sectors between Sierra Leone and China has not only witnessed the establishment and development of the long-standing friendship enjoyed by the two countries, but will also continue to promote mutual understanding and win-win cooperation between the two nations in the future.

Since their arrival in February, the Xiangya experts have been dedicated to providing medical services to both local and Chinese communities. Dr. Xia Ke played a crucial role in advancing of cardiology-related projects under the "Capacity-building Program for Peer-to-peer Cooperation Between China’s Xiangya Hospital and Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital". Through her efforts, the availability of critical cardiac care equipment, such as echocardiography, defibrillators, and infusion pumps, has been secured. Dr. Xia also conducted training sessions, teaching essential skills in specialized techniques and the use of cardiac equipment to local medical staff. Moreover, she has taken care of over 2000 patients in outpatient consultations. Recognizing the weak foundation of Otolaryngology in Sierra Leone, Dr. Fang Xing, the first Otolaryngology specialist sent to Sierra Leone, took significant steps to improve the healthcare settings. With the well-being of the people of Sierra Leone in mind, Dr. Fang brought specialized surgical instruments and medications from China. In addition, he introduced novel surgeries to the local healthcare workers, exemplified by nasal fracture reduction, removal of foreign bodies from the throat and external ear canal, and nasal cauterization. Moreover, he generously supplied medications at no cost to fellow compatriots in need.

In the field of Ophthalmology, Dr. Wang Wanpeng treated more than 2000 local patients with 180 cataract surgeries performed. Among his remarkable successes stood out a sight restoration surgery for a 105-year-old patient with cataract, gaining recognition from People's Daily and other media outlets. In the emergency clinic, Dr. Wang also went to great lengths, conducting 20 surgeries for both Chinese patients and local residents with eye injuries. His efforts were acknowledged with the fourth ‘Most Outstanding Hunan Youth on the Silk Roads’ award. On top of that, the ongoing "Capacity-building Program for Peer-to-peer Cooperation Between China’s Xiangya Hospital and Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital" led by Xiangya experts has also been progressing smoothly, receiving positive feedback from Sierra Leone.

On December 13, the Picture Exhibition marking the 60th Anniversary of Dispatching the First China Medical Team Abroad and the 50th Anniversary of Dispatching the First China Medical Team to Sierra Leone commenced at the National Library of Sierra Leone. The exhibition showcased the 60-year history of China’s medical teams helping foreign countries and presented the 50 years of medical aid delivered by Chinese medical teams in Sierra Leone. During the opening ceremony, Dr. Austin Demby, the Minister of Health in Sierra Leone, spoke highly of the outstanding contributions of the Chinese medical team in promoting Sierra Leone’s health undertakings. He presented the Sierra Leone National Outstanding Contribution medals and honorary certificates to Dr. Xia Ke, Dr. Fang Xing, Dr. Wang Wanpeng, and fellow members of the medical team to Sierra Leone.

The connection between the two sides was forged as early as 2018. During his visit to Xiangya Hospital, CSU that year, President Bio expressed heartfelt gratitude for the hospital's exceptional contributions in combating the Ebola virus as well as the remarkable efforts of successive medical teams.

Source： Xiangya Hospital, CSU