160 Chinese health workers in Liberia to fight Ebola epidemic
19 Nov 2014 4:47 AM IST
The 160-strong Chinese deployment to the west African country worst hit by the virus came as the world’s most powerful economies vowed to ‘extinguish’ the epidemic which has claimed more than 5,100 lives.
The Chinese doctors, epidemiologists and nurses will staff a $41 million (33 million euro) Ebola treatment unit which will be built and be up and running in 10 days, ambassador Zhang Yue said in a statement on Sunday. The health workers have had previous experience in tackling the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in Asia, Zhang said, adding that its total aid to Liberia would be $46 million.
At least 2,812 people have so far died of Ebola in Liberia. So far Beijing has promised Ebola-hit countries the equivalent of $122 million to help fight the epidemic. Since the beginning of the year, China has given west African countries a total of 234 million yuan ($38.2 million) in emergency assistance, including disease prevention and control materials, grain and cash, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
China is Africa’s largest trading partner, and its diplomatic footprint across the continent has expanded hugely in recent years as it seeks resources to power its economy.
The Chinese doctors, epidemiologists and nurses will staff a $41 million (33 million euro) Ebola treatment unit which will be built and be up and running in 10 days, ambassador Zhang Yue said in a statement on Sunday. The health workers have had previous experience in tackling the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in Asia, Zhang said, adding that its total aid to Liberia would be $46 million.
At least 2,812 people have so far died of Ebola in Liberia. So far Beijing has promised Ebola-hit countries the equivalent of $122 million to help fight the epidemic. Since the beginning of the year, China has given west African countries a total of 234 million yuan ($38.2 million) in emergency assistance, including disease prevention and control materials, grain and cash, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
China is Africa’s largest trading partner, and its diplomatic footprint across the continent has expanded hugely in recent years as it seeks resources to power its economy.
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