NCAIDS Conducts Field Visit and Technical Exchanges in Sierra Leone on HIV and Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Project

From March 21 to 28, 2026, a five member team led by Liu Yufen, Deputy Director (Acting Director) of the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, China CDC (NCAIDS), visited Sierra Leone to carry out a field visit and technical exchanges for Project 4, “Pilot Application of Integrated Community Based Prevention and Control Technologies and Strategies for HIV and Viral Hepatitis in Africa,” under the National Key Research and Development Program special project “Research on Pathogen Etiology and Disease Prevention and Control Technology System.” The visit focused on advancing project implementation, conducting field research, carrying out technical exchanges, and strengthening coordination with partners.

During the visit, the team met with the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone, the National AIDS Control Programme, and the National AIDS Secretariat. It also held discussions with community organizations and non governmental organizations engaged in interventions for female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who use drugs. The team also had in depth exchanges with the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone, the Chinese side of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Biosafety Laboratory, and local project staff on the project implementation plan, field investigation, sample collection, laboratory testing, and personnel training. In addition, the team visited project sites to conduct field assessments, gain a first hand understanding of local implementation and the existing work foundation, and further sort out key priorities and difficulties in implementation. This work laid the groundwork for the smooth progress of the project in the next phase.

The Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone is the country’s core body for coordinating, managing, and advancing public health services. In recent years, it has continued to strengthen the prevention and control of major infectious diseases and laboratory capacity building, while placing high importance on international cooperation. This visit will further strengthen practical cooperation between China and Sierra Leone in HIV and viral hepatitis prevention and control, help move the project forward smoothly, and lay a foundation for improving local capacity for integrated disease prevention and control and deepening China Africa public health cooperation.