By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Reporter
Freetown โ The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of China have reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing women’s health and gender equality in Sierra Leone through enhanced bilateral cooperation and expanded reproductive health programs.
This renewed partnership was underscored during a recent courtesy visit by UNFPA Country Representative Mr. Kunle Adeniyi to Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing, at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown. The meeting aimed to deepen South-South cooperation and scale up initiatives prioritizing the health, rights, and well-being of women and girls throughout the country.
Mr. Adeniyi commended China for its ongoing support of Sierra Leoneโs health sector, particularly through the South-South Cooperation framework, which has significantly improved reproductive health outcomes. โOur partnership with China is transforming womenโs health services in Sierra Leone,โ he stated. โFrom cervical cancer prevention to maternal health, this cooperation ensures that no woman or girl is left behind in accessing essential healthcare.โ
Under the UNFPAโChina collaboration, notable advancements have been made in the prevention and management of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Sierra Leone. More than 50 healthcare providers have been trained in cervical cancer screening and pre-cancer management through Chinaโs South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund.
Building on these achievements, UNFPA and the Chinese Government launched a joint initiative in 2020, which established screening and treatment services at nine public health facilities nationwide. This project has enhanced early detection and treatment of cervical cancer while raising community awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare for women.
Ambassador Wang affirmed Chinaโs commitment to supporting Sierra Leoneโs health system, emphasizing that womenโs health and empowerment are central to the countryโs long-term development agenda. He highlighted South-South cooperation as an effective mechanism for addressing shared challenges and promoting sustainable development. โChina and Sierra Leone share a strong friendship rooted in mutual respect and solidarity,โ Ambassador Wang stated. โThrough our partnership with UNFPA, we aim to strengthen the capacity of the health system and ensure that women and girls have better access to life-saving reproductive health services.โ
The collaboration between UNFPA and the Chinese Government aligns with Sierra Leoneโs national goal of ending preventable maternal deaths and alleviating reproductive health challenges, including cervical cancer. It also contributes to the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
Looking ahead, both UNFPA and the Chinese Government expressed their commitment to expanding access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, strengthening local healthcare capacity, and empowering women and girls to lead healthier, more productive lives. With continued support from China and other development partners, Sierra Leone aims to create a future where every woman and girl can fully enjoy her right to health and well-being.
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