Medical supplies from Chinese government and Chinese-funded enterprises arrive in Senegal to help fight COVID-19

A ceremony to transfer supplies donated by the Chinese government and the Chinese-funded enterprises to combat the COVID-19 pandemic was held on April 22 at the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal.

The ceremony was hosted by Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Zhang Xun and Senegalese Minister of Health and Social Action Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr.

A ceremony is held at the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal to hand over the supplies of Chinese government and Chinese-funded enterprises in Senegal to combat the COVID-19 pandemic on April 22. [Photo/CIDCA]

In his speech, Zhang said that the materials consisted of two parts. One was the materials donated by the Chinese government, including infrared thermometers, medical protective masks, medical isolation eye masks, disposable protective clothing, disposable gloves, and disposable shoe covers; the other was donated by two Chinese-funded enterprises in Senegal, and included cleaning materials such as masks, laundry detergent and disinfectant paper towels.

Zhang stressed that, more than 50 days after the COVID-19 outbreak in Senegal, with the strict prevention and control by the government of Senegal and the support of all social sectors, the pandemic has been brought under control. In the face of the raging pandemic, President Macky Sall's decision and the courage, perseverance and self-discipline of the Senegalese people are admirable.

The fight against the pandemic requires the joint efforts of the international community. The Chinese government is committed to sincere and pragmatic cooperation with the international community, and is ready to share its knowledge and experience in the fight against the pandemic with Senegal and to provide the materials needed to win this global war.

Zhang Xun, Ambassador of China to Senegal, speaks at the ceremony. [Photo/CIDCA] 

On behalf of President Sall and the government of Senegal, Sarr thanked China for its continued support and assistance since the outbreak in his country, and for facilitating the purchase of medical supplies in Senegal. He also thanked the Jack Ma Foundation, the Alibaba Foundation and the Chinese companies in Senegal for their generous contributions.

Saar said that the aid was timely and would alleviate the shortage of masks and provide strong protection for Senegalese medical workers on the front lines. The assistance from the Chinese government and Chinese companies is a testament to the solidarity and mutual help between the two countries. Senegal, as co-chair of the China-Africa Forum, is ready to join hands with China in the fight against the pandemic and to move forward together.

Minister of Health and Social Action of Senegal Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr speaks at the handover ceremony. [Photo/CIDCA]

After the ceremony, the two sides signed an intergovernmental handover certificate and inspected the materials together.

Zhang Xun and Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr sign a handover certificate. [Photo/CIDCA]

Zhang Xun and Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr are shown with the Chinese medical team and representatives of donor companies. [Photo/CIDCA]