China, Sierra Leone signs protocols to fight Ebola outbreak

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yanbo on Monday reiterated China's commitment to assist Sierra Leone in forging ahead with the challenges of the Ebola outbreak.

Speaking during the signing of the formal protocols of the newly arrived Chinese Medical Team in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Zhao Yanbo recalled the history of the SARS epidemic in China and the concerns of the Sierra Leone government for which they cannot afford to leave Sierra Leone fighting the Ebola outbreak alone.

He said they would help provide the necessary network to help handle some of the major challenges with a view to ending the Ebola war in the country.

The Envoy said they have provided 29 laboratory experts and 30 medical aid experts from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and major hospitals in China.

Deputy Director General of China CDC and Head of the Team, Gao Fu said the objective of their mission is in two fold: "to engage on infection prevention control to break the transmission chain of suspected cases and to provide effective service at Holding and Treatment Centres, and to support the laboratories".

Making his statement, the Minister of Health and Sanitation of Sierra Leone, Abu Bakarr Fofanah described the signing protocol as another landmark in the 40-year relationship between the two countries.

He described the contingent as a specialized body that would help assist the government in its effort to end the epidemic, hoping that the continued bilateral relationship between China and Sierra Leone will continue to grow from strength to strength.

A consignment of medical supplies which included 8,000 gallons of 5-percent chlorine and 4,000,000 pairs of gloves and large quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is expected to arrive at the Lungi Airport of Freetown on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.

The consignment which is part of World Vision's contributions and commitment to support the fight against the Ebola, is geared towards the national call by President Koroma to compliment government's effort on the Ebola virus disease response.