China announces new aid for combating virus
President Xi Jinping announced in New Delhi on Thursday an aid package of 200 million yuan (about $32.54 million) for West African countries to combat Ebola. The nations include Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
The aid will include cash, food and materials, said Xi, who is visiting India. He said China will also provide the World Health Organization with $2 million in cash and give the African Union the same amount.
The spread of Ebola in West Africa has posed a severe challenge for the international community, Xi said.
The outbreak is believed to have affected nearly 5,000 people, about half of whom have died, according to media reports.
The aid is aimed at helping Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and other countries fight Ebola, enhancing epidemic prevention capability of surrounding countries and supporting regional organizations playing a leading and coordinating role in fighting the epidemic, the president said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday that a 59-member Chinese laboratory team has been sent to help Sierra Leone improve lab testing as part of the fight against Ebola.
Previously, China had sent medical supplies and 115 medical experts to Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.
Xinhua
(China Daily 09/19/2014 page10)
