million Yuan ($3m or N800m) to help three countries deal with the
threat of the Ebola virus.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Consulate of the Peoples
Republic of China in Lagos, the aid is to go to the three most endemic
countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. It was signed by the
Vice-Consul, Mr. Xu Xinglong,.
The statement said the monetary aid is the second to be provided by
the Chinese government after the recent outbreak of Ebola disease in
West Africa.
The first was the shipment of humanitarian supplies, mainly protective
clothing and gears, monitoring devices, sprays, drugs and other
medical equipment.
The statement said, "A friend in need is a friend indeed. Chinese and
African peoples are good brothers, good friends and good partners, who
grow together by sharing weal and woe. We would always support and
help each other."
Recalling that more than 20,000 Chinese live in the three countries,
the consulate said the Chinese government was very much concerned
about the health and safety of not just its citizens in the affected
countries but also the health of local people.
"The Chinese government and people will not forget that the African
people always reach out to offer timely help and generous support when
Chinese people met with difficulties. After the Sichuan Wenchuan
earthquake in 2008 and Qinghai Yushu earthquake in 2010, African
countries, such as Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Congo and Equatorial
Guinea provided China with donation in spite of the fact that they
themselves are not wealthy.
"At present, the Ebola outbreak continues to spread, especially in
Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The health and life safety of the
people in the above countries are facing serious threats and big
challenges. The three governments, the United Nations and the World
Health Organisation appeal to the international community to lend a
helping hand to provide emergency aid as soon as possible," the
statement further said.
PUNCH.
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