China sends first shipment of medical supplies to Madagascar to help fight COVID-19

The first shipment of the Chinese government’s assistance to Madagascar to combat the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Antananarivo, the country’s capital, on May 2.

Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Yang Xiaorong and Malagasy Minister of Public Health Ahmad Ahmad attend a handover ceremony at the Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, on May 2. [Photo by Sitraka]

The shipment, which included medical protective clothing, infrared thermometers, masks and goggles, arrived at Ivato International Airport in northern Antananarivo on May 2. The Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Yang Xiaorong, and the Malagasy Minister of Public Health Ahmad Ahmad, participated in the handover ceremony at the airport.

On behalf of the government and people of Madagascar, Ahmad expressed his gratitude to China for its assistance in the fight against the pandemic. He said that the Ministry of Public Health would distribute the supplies to medical workers on the front lines of the country's fight against the pandemic. Madagascar will continue to cooperate with China on all aspects of pandemic prevention and combat the pandemic together.

Madagascar's Minister of Public Health Ahmad Ahmad (center), Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Yang Xiaorong (2nd left) and other Chinese and Malagasy representatives pose for a group photo in front of newly-arrived anti-pandemic supplies on May 2. [Photo by Sitraka]

Yang said that unity is strength and international cooperation is the key for fighting the pandemic. China will always uphold the international humanitarian spirit and firmly support the Malagasy government in its active fight against the pandemic.