In a strong gesture of international solidarity, China has announced its readiness to actively assist African nations currently grappling with the latest Ebola outbreak. The announcement highlights a continuing commitment to public health security across the continent, with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
During a daily press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized the deep bond between China and Africa, describing the two as "good brothers who stand together through thick and thin." Lin expressed profound empathy for the challenges faced by the DRC in the wake of the current health crisis.
To combat the spread of the virus, the Chinese government has decided to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the DRC. A key component of this support involves the deployment of specialized medical expert teams to provide critical on-the-ground medical services and technical assistance.
This initiative is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategic partnership. Lin noted that supporting the response to Ebola serves as a "shining example" of the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Furthermore, these efforts align with the 10 partnership actions established during the 2024 FOCAC Beijing summit.
China's commitment to African health is backed by significant resources. To date, China has dispatched 45 medical teams, comprising over 900 members, to 44 different African countries. These teams are currently working shoulder to shoulder with local health professionals to contain the disease.
Looking back, the spokesperson recalled China's immense support provided to three West African countries during the 2015 Ebola crisis, underscoring a long-term pattern of cooperation. Beyond direct medical aid, China has also collaborated with the African Union Commission to enhance the overall epidemic prevention and control capacities of African nations.
Closing his remarks, Lin Jian called upon the international community to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to help the DRC and other affected African countries defeat the outbreak as quickly as possible.
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China ready to actively assist African countries hit by Ebola
cgtn.com
