China provides another $1M-Seeks enhanced global effort

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Zhang Yue, says the fight against the Ebola virus should not only be left with African countries and peoples, but also a global responsibility. Delivering the Chinese Government’s $1m cash and logistical contribution to the Government of Liberia on Wednesday, 24 September, Ambassador Yue urged developed countries to “take concrete measures” in eradicating the Ebola virus out of West Africa.

At the occasion graced by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Deputy Foreign Minister Sylverster Grisby, among others, the Chinese envoy reemphasized that China is ready to work side by side with Liberia to tackling the disease.

In a live broadcast program held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday, Ambassador Yue and Deputy Foreign Minister Grisby signed and exchanged notes surrounding the Chinese US$1m contribution in support of eradicating Ebola here. The Chinese Government had earlier provided logistics to the Liberia National Police valued at US$211,781.71.

Having observed the exercise, President Sirleaf described the Chinese donation as tremendous, and assured that it will be channeled through the right means at the Ebola Trust Fund account established at the Central Bank of Liberia.

She said the cash will go onward to the different entities that are engaged in the response process, while the medical supplies will go through “our response center” that is coordinating all of this to ensure that they reach places where they are most needed.

Earlier, Deputy Minister Grisby said the assistance from China will go a long way, especially donation to the Liberia National Police or LNP, which he says needs capacity to effectively maintain law and order in the midst of the drawdown of UNMIL.