By The World Satellite.
The Ambassador of China to Nigeria; His Excellency; Dr. Zhou Pingjian has commended the efforts of the Nigerian Government in controlling the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic. In his words, “We have full confidence in Nigeria’s determination, capacity, and capability to defeat the virus ultimately.
Dr. Zhou Pingjian made this statement at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on the occasion of the arrival of the 14 Medical Doctors and medical equipment from Beijing, China.
The Chinese Medical Team who arrived aboard an Air Peace Airline, which touched down at about 4:30pm local time were received by the Federal Government of Nigeria led by the led by the Minister of Health; Osagie Ehanire, accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria; Dr. Zhou Pingjian, and officials of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador further stated that China will always remember the invaluable support it received from the Government and good people of Nigeria at the most demanding stage of its outbreak response.
“Despite the daunting task of epidemic control remaining at home, China firmly supports Nigeria’s fight against the outbreak and stands ready to assist, if needed, to the best of its capacity. We will continue to share experience and try our best to provide medical supplies to Nigeria in a bid to prevail over the outbreak together”, Dr. Zhou promised.
While noting that the Covid-19 outbreak is the number one global enemy at the moment, the Chinese Ambassador called on other Chinese Companies to get involved in such noble gesture as the CCECC in order to fulfill corporate social responsibility; adding that the most powerful weapon to defeat the pandemic is solidarity and cooperation
While receiving them on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, the Minister of Health; Dr. Osagie Ehanire informed that the Chinese medical workers are experts in infectious diseases, respiratory illness, intensive care, cardiology, neurology, general surgery and anesthesiology.
In addition, he noted that all members of the technical team have tested negative to COVID-19 and shall commence their stay in Nigeria by undertaking 14 days in quarantine.
“During the 14 days they will interface with necessary authorities through video conferencing. Just to put the record straight the delegation received at the Airport consists of 14 medial workers and a media officer”, the Minister explained.
In conclusion, Dr. Osagie appreciated the Chinese government for their kind gesture in sending medical workers to assist in terms of capacity building at a time like this.
Broadly, Chinese medical team landed in Abuja with $1.5m medical supplies coordinated by the Chinese Company; China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) with the assistance of the Federal Government of Nigeria on flight provision.
CCECC delivered, among others, 16-tonnes of test kits, ventilators, disinfection machine, disposable medical masks, medicines, rubber gloves, protective gowns, goggles, face shields, infrared thermometers and other medical care items.
- Source: Diplomats Extra
