MOSCOW, April 25 (RIA Novosti) – China will supply Liberia with medical equipment as part of a joint effort to fight against an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, the Liberian newspaper FrontPageAfrica reported Friday.
Beijing will provide Monrovia with $162,000 in medical supplies to help the African country combat the virus, according to a bilateral agreement signed by Liberian Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Zhang Yue.
The Liberian authorities thanked China for its support, while the Chinese Ambassador praised Monrovia’s efforts in fighting the Ebola outbreak.
“We appreciate very much the efficient efforts being made by the Liberian Government since the outbreak of this virus and also the media that raised the social awareness about the prevention of this virus. At this critical moment, China as a friend to Liberia, is reaching out with a helping hand when our friend is in need during this period of difficulties,” Zhang Yue said.
In February, several cases of Ebola were diagnosed in Guinea, the first Ebola virus outbreak in the region. As of April 10, 101 deaths have been reported in Guinea, 14 in Liberia, 6 in Sierra Leone, and 1 suspected case in Mali.
Earlier this month, Dr. Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is one of the most daunting outbreaks WHO has ever faced. WHO has said the case fatality rate for Ebola is up to 90 percent.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is one of the deadliest viruses known to mankind. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. Transmission via contaminated medical equipment or other objects is also possible.
There is currently no known cure or vaccine for Ebola.
