Sierra Leone thanks China for anti-Ebola aid

Sierra Leone has expressed "heartfelt appreciation" for China's support and technical assistance in the fight against the Ebola virus.

Sierra Leone "is grateful for this important and generous contribution," says a note verbale dated Oct. 15 and sent by the African country's permanent UN mission in Geneva to its Chinese counterpart.

Sierra Leone looks forward to further cooperation and collaboration with the Chinese government as the country strives to eliminate the spread of the terrible disease, added the mission.

Since the outbreak of Ebola in February, the Chinese government has taken the lead in responding to the appeals of the affected countries and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In addition to providing fund, food and disease prevention materials, China has also set up laboratories and holding centers and sent expert groups and medical teams to the affected countries.

So far, China has directed aid worth 122 million dollars in four batches to West African countries.

The WHO said in the latest release that 4,951 people had died from Ebola across eight countries and there were a total of 13,567 reported cases by Oct 29. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are the hardest-hit nations.