The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has on Tuesday November 24, 2020, handed over medical supplies to the Government of Sierra Leone. The Minister of Defence, Brig. (Rtd) Kellie Conteh and his deputy, Dr Anthony Sandy, received the donated items in a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy at Hill Station.
Ambassador HU Zhangliang, during the ceremony, underscored the fact that it was not the first time the Chinese Government had donated medical supplies to the Government of Sierra Leone with a view to fighting against the spread of the coronavirus and break its chain of transmission. He added that though China is still fighting the disease it is still sees the need to strengthen its bond with Sierra Leone.
H.E. Zhangliang disclosed that this is the eighth round of donation that the Chinese Government is availing to Sierra Leone to combat COVID-19.
He revealed that some of the medical supplies donated include 20,016 testing kits, 4,000 KN 95 respirators, 50,000 surgical masks, 1000 PPEs, 1,000 medical shoe covers, 2,000 disposable isolation gowns, 100 forehead thermometer guns, 35 ventilators, 35 oxygenators and related accessories.
The Ambassador said to complement the gesture of the donated items a new medical team was been put together to come over to Sierra Leone in order to help in the fight against the pandemic.
He furthered that the donation epitomized a concrete manifestation of implementing the relevant commitment made by H.E. President Xi Jinping at a virtual opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly and the Extraordinary China -Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19.
H.E. Zhangliang disclosed that he was glad to see that under the strong leadership of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, the Sierra Leone Government and the People have displayed a high degree of resilience in the control of the pandemic as well as striving for the social and economic development of the country.
Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Anthony Sandy, in his statement extended sincere appreciation to the Chinese Government for always coming to the aid of Sierra Leone in times of need. He recalled that in 2014 when the country was plagued by the Ebola China was the first country to help salvage the situation.
Dr. Anthony Sandy also highlighted certain development projects that had been implemented by the Chinese Government naming the construction of the National Stadium, Youyi Building and the China and Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital at Jui.
He pointed out that though China had its own battle, but it was still going the extra mile to give help outside.
The Honorable Minister of Defence, Dr. Kellie Conteh, who doubles as head of NaCOVERC, said it was always a pleasure for the Sierra Leone Government to partner with the Chinese Government to improve public health facilities in the country.
27/11/2020. ISSUE NO: 7959