In a bid to curb the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus in the country, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated medical supplie
In a bid to curb the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus in the country, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated medical supplies which includes infection prevention and control materials as well as information communication technology (ICT) equipment to the Federal Government.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian, made the presentation to the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire in Abuja on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese envoy said China firmly supports Nigeria’s fight against the virus and stands ready to assist, if needed, to the best of its capacity.
Zhou added that despite the daunting task of epidemic control at home, China will try its best to provide medical supplies to Nigeria and do whatever it could do to support Nigeria. He added that China will continue to share information and experience with Nigeria and strengthen cooperation on containment, treatment and vaccines in response to the challenge of the virus, with a view to building together, a community of shared health for mankind.
Zhou stated that since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the government and good people of Nigeria have been standing by China during the trying time. The envoy added that the solidarity message from President Muhammadu Buhari spoke volumes when he said: “China’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been exemplary, as well as the country’s collaboration with international agencies and other countries on the matter.”
Zhou further said China was deeply touched by the compassion shown to its people from Nigeria and the international community at large.
“We will never forget the sympathy and support extended by Nigeria when the Chinese people were in the most challenging stage of battling the epidemic,” Zhou said.
Zhou further commended the Nigerian Government for working assiduously on the epidemic response in a science-based, rational and professional way from day one.
In his remarks, Ehanire called for the assistance of the People’s Republic of China in the area of public health experts. Ehanire congratulated China for coming out of the coronavirus threat and its recovery process both economically and in health.
Noting that the Nigerian health system may not be as strong as that of China, the minister added that the government was doing everything possible to strengthen it so that the public health part of it which the government really want to face will reduce the incidence or the number of those who have to require very serious treatment.
Ehanire also urged China to assist Nigeria with technical support in order to prepare for worst-case scenario and ventilators which are respirators, general medical protective equipment, hand diagnostic reagents for laboratory, including logistics.
