From factories in East China to hospitals across Africa, Chinese help boosts confidence in COVID-19 fight

ADDIS ABABA - Solomon Ayele, a nurse at an Ethiopian hospital, is defying fear on the frontline of the war against COVID-19, while Africa is bracing for its most difficult time.

On Tuesday, confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus surpassed 10,000 in Africa, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally, and a more troubling crisis looms due to a lack of medical supplies on the continent.

Fortunately, leaders of African countries have already proactively implemented prevention and control measures such as allocating funds, locking down cities and mobilizing medical resources to slow the virus spread. And the international community has also stepped in to help.

More and more medical supplies from China and other countries have been distributed to health workers like Ayele to help them fight the common enemy and safeguard their shared future.

UNIFIED EFFORTS

"African countries are fighting the coronavirus against all odds," Ayele said, emphasizing that COVID-19 prevention and control "greatly requires adequate financing and well-built capacity."

A lack of medical equipment and experience had restricted his capacity to deal with the increasing caseload.

As a major transit hub in Africa, Ethiopia is among more than a dozen countries the World Health Organization considers as top priority for preparedness against COVID-19.

Since the first confirmed case was reported last month in the country, Ethiopian health authorities have been increasing epidemic response coordination, surveillance, diagnosis and public health education.

The government has also set up quarantine centers and equipped Eko Kotebe Hospital in the capital Addis Ababa where Ayele works to house COVID-19 patients. Ayele is among some 350 healthcare personnel recently trained to help respond to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

To alleviate the shortage of medical supplies in Africa, the Chinese government and private sector have stepped up cooperation with African countries.

China's Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation announced on Monday that they had sent the second batch of aid to Africa including ventilators, and the shipment is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa soon.

With the help of the Ethiopian government, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and World Food Programme, these supplies will be delivered to each of the 54 African nations.

The first donation, including masks, test kits, protective suits and face shields and guidelines on tackling COVID-19, was distributed to Ayele and his colleagues two weeks ago.

Ayele hailed the help of the Chinese government and the foundations, saying the critical medical supplies will greatly contribute to Africa's fight against the coronavirus.

"The materials would help fill the existing gaps in terms of the pressing shortage of preventive materials and testing kits in Ethiopia and beyond, while the guideline will also help us respond to the epidemic with latest knowledge based on China's experience," he said.

Ethiopian Airlines, the continent's largest carrier in terms of passenger turnover, will distribute the much-needed donation across the 54 African countries.

Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said that the Chinese donation is an exemplary move, demonstrating collaboration and joint efforts in the battle against the epidemic.

"The message is very important. It is a very good example for all over the world that feel panic and blame is not the answer. The answer is organizations, countries, institutions, and governments bringing their resources together to team up to provide this kind of medical supplies for the protection of the people. So, this is a very good example," Gebremariam said.