While COVID-19 has been downgraded by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
from a pandemic, individual countries are still contending with cases of the disease
within their borders.
To this end, the People’s Republic of China has donated equipment to the Ministry
of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation, and the Environment for use in its
fight against the spread of the virus.
The donated materials include 50,000 medical masks and 1,000 sets of protective
clothing, valued at an estimated ECD$40,000. The equipment is to be used in the
prevention and control of COVID-19.
Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph received the donation on behalf of the
Ministry from Madame Zhang Yanling, Ambassador of the People's Republic of
China to Antigua and Barbuda.
“I will never forget the tremendous support we received from the PRC, especially
during the COVID-19 pandemic; you were always there, and you sustained us so
that at no time during the pandemic did we ever run out of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE’s),” Sir Molwyn noted.
He asked the ambassador to convey to Beijing that Antigua and Barbuda is
appreciative of the gifts and that it will continue to stand with the people of China,
especially in the international fora. “We do so with deep conviction, especially on
the One China policy,” he stated.
Ambassador Zhang said the donation was another example of the close ties that
exist between Antigua and Barbuda and China. “Antigua and Barbuda and China
have been reliable partners and we want to see this relationship grow from strength
to strength in all areas, but especially in health as this is very important,” she
remarked.
