China announces $32.5 mn aid to help fight Ebola

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a state visit to India, on Thursday announced an aid package of 200 million yuan (about $32.54 million) for Liberia, Sierra Leon and Guinea to combat the Ebola virus disease.

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a state visit to India, on Thursday announced an aid package of 200 million yuan (about $32.54 million) for Liberia, Sierra Leon and Guinea to combat the Ebola virus disease.

He said the aid will include cash, food and materials, adding that his country would also provide the World Health Organization with $2 million in cash and give the African Union the same amount to fight the disease.

The spreading Ebola in West Africa has been a severe challenge for the international community, including China and India, Xi said.

Jinping said that the new aid is aimed at helping the three West African countries fight Ebola and enhancing epidemic prevention capability of surrounding countries.

China would also support regional organisations concerned to play a leading and coordinating role in fighting the epidemic, he added.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which is by far the worst ever seen, has killed at least 2,622 people in West Africa and infected at least 5,335 others.

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