By Foday Moriba Conteh
On April 1st, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation displayed donated medical equipment by both Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundations in China. The ceremony was graced by the Chinese Ambassador HU Zhangliang, the Hon. Minister of Health and Sanitation Dr. Alpha T. Wurie, the Hon. Minister of Information and Communications Mr. Mohamed Swaray, the World Food Programme Country Director, Dr. Housainou Taal, World Health Organization Country Director, Dr. Evans Liyosi, United Nations Population Fund Country Director, Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, Deputy Ministers of the MoHS Dr. Anthony Sandi and Dr. Amara Jambai as well as newsmen from the Fourth Estate. The donated items include 20,000 testing kits, 100,000 facial masks and 1,000 PPEs with face shields.
Ambassador Hu commended both the Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundations for their generosity. The Ambassador said the donation vividly reflects the Chinese positive attitude in building a community with a shared future for mankind as advocated for by H.E. President Xi Jinping and the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards their African brothers and sisters. He said, under the staunch leadership of H.E. President Xi Jinping, the pandemic had been basically kept under control and the situation keeps turning for the better in China.
“China’s resolute measures and huge sacrifices are contributing in combating the virus in other countries,” he disclosed adding that China’s experience will be demonstrated through strong leadership highlighting how social mobilization, concerted national efforts and rigorous measures are key to the success in combating COVID-19.
Ambassador HU said just as H.E. President Xi Jinping pointed out in his speech at the recent Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit, “Major infectious disease is the enemy of all.”
He said: “The community of nations must move swiftly to stem the spread of the virus.” The Ambassador commended H.E. President Julius Maada Bio and his Government for demonstrating strong leadership to combat COVID-19.
The Ambassador emphasized that what the world needs now is solidarity and cooperation rather than accusation or stigmatization. He stressed that the acts of certain people in terms of distorting facts, calling black white and viciously attacking China were repugnant, despicable and totally unacceptable. He said he believes that through hard work and concerted efforts, the pandemic will be defeated.
On behalf of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio and the Sierra Leonean Government, the Minster of Health, Prof Alpha Wurie thanked Jack Ma Foundation, Alibaba Foundation and the Chinese people for their prompt support. He highlighted that China is always one of the most reliable partners of Sierra Leone adding that on March 31, the first positive COVID-19 case was registered in this country. He noted that at this crucial moment, these items would significantly enhance the capacity and confidence of the Sierra Leonean Government in facing the challenges.
Dr. Liyosi, the Country Director of WHO and Dr. Taal, the Country Director of WFP also spoke highly of the donation and appealed to the international community to work together.
