By Marius Musa Kargbo
In a landmark step toward strengthening healthcare delivery and professional nursing education in Sierra Leone, the 27th batch of the Chinese Medical Team at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital has officially inaugurated the Sierra Leone-China Nursing Training Centre at the hospital complex in Jui.
The newly established facility is expected to serve as a hub for advanced nursing education and specialized clinical training, while also symbolizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.
The inauguration ceremony attracted several high-profile dignitaries from both Sierra Leone and China, including the Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Sartie Kanneh; the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires in Sierra Leone, Wang Peng; Medical Superintendent of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, Dr. Augustine Tarawally; senior representative of the Sierra Leone Nurses and Midwives Board, Dr. Patricia Bah; and Li Zheng, Team Leader of the 27th Chinese Medical Team.
Speaking at the ceremony, Li Zheng described the opening of the centre as a significant achievement in the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and China in the health sector.
“This Nursing Training Centre represents our shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery through education, knowledge exchange, and professional development. We believe investing in nurses is investing in the future of healthcare in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie Kanneh, commended the Chinese Medical Team for what he described as a timely and impactful contribution to Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.
“This facility will strengthen the capacity of our nurses and healthcare professionals, which is critical to improving the quality of care across the country. The Government of Sierra Leone highly appreciates the continued support and partnership from the People’s Republic of China,” Dr. Kanneh stated.
Officials noted that the centre will provide continuous professional training opportunities for nurses and other healthcare workers, while also supporting specialized care and clinical excellence.
The Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital has remained a key symbol of bilateral cooperation in the health sector, with successive Chinese medical teams contributing to medical services, training, and infrastructure development in Sierra Leone.
