China's humanitarian assistance in combatting COVID-19

By Xu Xiaoxuan
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, September 4, 2020
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Syria

The Isolation Hospital and Infections Treatment Center built with the help of China in Pakistan [Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan]

Due to Syria's limited anti-epidemic capabilities, unstable domestic situation and possible U.S. sanctions, China dispatched COVID-19 test kits to the country on April 15. This was followed in June by more test kits, protective suits, masks and infrared thermometers.

Syrian Deputy Minister of Health Ahmed Khlefawi noted China's assistance has been critical in the continuous provision of medical services to the Syrian people. Following years of war and economic sanctions, Syria's healthcare system has been in constant struggle, Khlefawi said.

Since COVID-19 broke out in the Middle East in late February, China has provided assistance to more than 20 countries in the region, including Iran, Lebanon, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. On July 9, the Isolation Hospital & Infections Treatment Center constructed with China's assistance was inaugurated in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Ethiopia

Chinese medical workers arrive at Addis Ababa International Airport in Ethiopia on April 16, 2020. [Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia]


On April 16, a team of 12 Chinese medical workers arrived in Ethiopia at the invitation of the country's government. Tan Jian, Chinese ambassador to Ethiopia, explained that the workers brought with them much-needed experience from China's own battle with the coronavirus.

The workers visited designated hospitals, isolation centers and temporary hospitals for COVID-19 patients, training local medical staff and sharing their experiences.

Teshome Toga, Ethiopian ambassador to China, said at the time. "Our health officials will benefit a lot [from the Chinese team's experience]. China has also donated huge financial and medical supplies."

On June 17, the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 was held via video conference to improve cooperation in dealing with the public health emergency. The summit was attended by representatives of 14 African countries, as well as the UN secretary-general and WHO director-general.

Public contributions

On top of assistance from the Chinese government, the work of social organizations cannot be underestimated. For example, on May 16, Chinese communities in the U.K. donated 70,000 masks and 5,000 protective suits to the country's National Health Service.

In New York, the American Chinese United Care Alliance was established consisting of Chinese organizations, corporations, and alumni associations. By April, it had raised over US$5 million worth of medical supplies, distributing them to hospitals across the U.S.

Faced with a global public health emergency, China has provided medical supplies and shared its anti-epidemic experience. The country's treatment practices and COVID-19 control strategies have also helped over 180 countries and more than 10 international and regional organizations.

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