FREETOWN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The first traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) center in Sierra Leone was launched on Friday in the capital, Freetown, marking an important step in the country's efforts to introduce TCM therapy for the benefit of its people.

The launch of the TCM center followed the completion of a community health investigation project in Sierra Leone, led by a group of Chinese doctors, aimed at helping the West African country improve the prevention and treatment of common diseases such as hypertension and chronic pain.

You Xiong, deputy head of the 25th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone, told Xinhua that during the project, free acupuncture therapy services were provided to thousands of community members nationwide.

"Our project demonstrated the potential effectiveness of acupuncture in managing hypertension and chronic pain, receiving positive feedback from local patients," said You, who led the project.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Charles Senessie, Sierra Leone's deputy health minister, lauded the enduring partnership between Sierra Leone and China in the healthcare sector, particularly in advancing traditional medicine practices. He said that Sierra Leone has made significant strides in incorporating TCM into its national healthcare system.

The deputy minister also expressed hope that the newly inaugurated TCM center would train more local doctors in TCM, enabling them to provide better medical services to residents in rural communities.

China dispatched its first medical team to Sierra Leone in 1973 and has since sent 25 teams, making significant contributions to the country's healthcare sector and fostering traditional ties of friendship. Enditem

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