Mali praises China's efforts in fight against Ebola

Mali's Health Minister Ousmane Kone has hailed China's efforts in the prevention of Ebola virus in the country.

Kone was speaking in Bamako during a ceremony to receive 185 infrared thermometers offered by China's ambassador to Mali Cao Zhongming.

"This donation is very symbolic as it comes from China, a country which has always cooperated with Mali. The equipment will be very useful in prevention of the disease," the minister said.

The Chinese ambassador said besides the donation which was worth 9 million CFA Francs (17,600 U.S. dollars), China will soon offer Mali additional aid of materials worth 400 million CFA Francs."

Cao added that the agreement was in response to promises made by the Chinese government during a meeting between Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, on the sidelines of the 2014 New Leaders Meeting of the World Economic Forum, also known as the Summer Davos forum, held in China's north city of Tianjin from Sept 10 to 12.

"As always, I am very satisfied with this aid and the announcement that has been made. This aid from the Chinese government that is in addition to the materials donated by a Chinese company worth 40 million CFA Francs, will help to reinforce our capacity to prevent entry of the Ebola virus," Kone noted.

Mali has so far reported 25 suspected Ebola cases, all of which turned out to be negative, Kone added.