The Chinese Medical Team (CMT), sponsored by the Ministry of Health of China, has been delivering medical services in Sierra Leone for over twenty years. The CMT offers medical specialist services, medical equipment, and medical drugs. According to the bilateral agreement between China and Sierra Leone, the Chinese doctors serve on the CMT for a two year period, then are rotated out and replaced by a new team of specialists. The 12th CMT is currently offering its services to the people of Sierra Leone.

Prior to 2003, the CMT operated out of various provinces. Since 2003, however, the CMT has operated out of the King Harman Road Hospital in Freetown in order to better serve patients with their improved access to infrastructure and resources. Currently, the CMT is composed of experienced doctors who specialize in general practice, surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, ear-nose-throat (ENT), ophthalmology, anesthesiology, radiology, and acupuncture.

Within six months, the CMT has already become recognized for their medical expertise and invaluable services to the Freetown community. Many high-risk patients have been saved from death. One patient suffering from malignant malaria complicated with massive digestive tract bleeding, heart failure, liver and renal disorder was treated and monitored until his health was stabilized. One woman had a 4.5 kg pelvic tumor removed, while still another woman successfully underwent a radical hysterectomy which removed a 3 kg myoma. Several children suffering from cranial malaria complicated with seizures, coma, and high fever have also been successfully treated, thereby reducing King Harman Road Hospital's pediatric mortality rate. Patients suffering from maxillary sinus tumors and congenital choannel atresia have undergone successful surgeries performed by members of the CMT.

For the first time in the history of the CMT's work in Sierra Leone, the current CMT is proud to offer ophthalmology services. Already, many operations have been performed on patients with cataracts, glaucoma, and severe eye injuries. The resident CMT ophthalmologist even donated 500,000 Leone of his personal money to help subsidize the surgeries of cataract patients who otherwise would not be able to afford the necessary surgery. The CMT has dubbed these ophthalmology efforts as the Brightness Project. Inspired by the CMT's efforts, the Chinese Embassy of Sierra Leone has decided sponsor 150 cataract surgeries to support the CMT's Brightness Project.

The efforts of the CMT are conducted in close partnership with the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the King Harman Road Hospital staff, who have worked tirelessly to support and work alongside the CMT doctors. Without these invaluable partnerships, the CMT would not be able to serve the people of Sierra Leone as effectively as they have.

Members of the CMT are offering their expertise, time, and resources to patients without hesitation. The CMT is deeply devoted to helping alleviate the suffering and improve the health of the people of Sierra Leone.

(Contributed by the Chinese Medical Team)