LUSAKA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Zambia and Chinese enterprises operating in the country on Wednesday donated medical supplies to help the southern African nation combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donations were made to the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital which was in charge of two isolation centers. The donated items included operating tables, medical masks, sanitizers, and personal protective equipment.
Ouyang Daobing, Economic and Commercial Chancellor at the Chinese embassy, said Zambia was, like other countries, feeling the effect of the pandemic and that it was China's role to render a helping hand.
He said the donations were a response to Zambia's call for assistance in combating the pandemic.
According to him, the pandemic was still evolving hence the need not to relax in all efforts aimed at combating it.
While commending Zambia for implementing a multisectoral approach in combating the disease which has resulted in not many cases and deaths, the Chinese official called for the need to maintain the momentum.
Kakulubelwa Mulalelo, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary who in charge of the administration, said the medical supplies donated will be of great benefit not only to health workers in the isolation centers but also all those working in other areas.
"All over the world, there has been an outcry on the need to protect health workers from contracting the coronavirus so that they continue to offer the institutional services required in their line of duty. It is, therefore, gratifying to see that health care services are receiving support from several organizations," she said.
She further commended the Chinese government for its continued support to the hospital, adding that China has not only supported in the provision of medicines but in infrastructure development and training.
Zambia now has 1,477 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,213 recoveries and 18 deaths. Enditem
