Coronavirus: Chinese Ambassador commends Gambia’s effective measures to curb the spread of COVID-19

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, Mr. Ma Jianchun, has commended the effective measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus implemented by the Gambian government under the leadership of President Adama Barrow.

He made the commendation on Thursday during a meeting with the Gambian Health Minister, Ahmadou L. Samateh, where they discussed strengthening China-Gambia joint efforts in combating COVID-19 and other topics of cooperation.

He also commended the efforts and contributions of the Ministry of Health, including their repeated visits to the national border, medical facilities, quarantine spots and so on, releasing reliable information on the pandemic in a timely and accurate manner, as well as introducing protective measures to the public, setting a good example for people.

Ambassador Ma further briefed Samateh on a series of important initiatives and measures proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening session of the 73rd World Health Assembly, saying that the Chinese government would continue to provide material assistance to The Gambia to contain COVID-19, by sharing China’s experience.

He further disclosed that a new batch of medical supplies from the Chinese government was scheduled to arrive in The Gambia soon.

For his part, Samateh expressed appreciation for the continuous support from the Chinese government and people.

According to him, with comprehensive and strong measures taken, local transmission of the virus in The Gambia has been put under full control, saying that medical equipment and supplies from the Chinese government and entrepreneurs played a very crucial role in that process.

Samateh also commended  Ambassador Ma for the consignments of medical supplies donated by the Jack Ma Foundation two weeks ago, which included over 30,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE), 10 thermometers, 2 ventilators, 1 infrared detector and so on.

Samateh noted that these medical gears would continue to support The Gambia’s anti-pandemic work, and that the gesture embodied the deep friendship between peoples from The Gambia and China.

He further expressed Gambia's readiness to work more closely with China and the international community at large, so as to prevail the pandemic at an early date.

-0- PANA MSS/VAO 4June2020