In a significant show of solidarity, the Chinese Embassy, representing the Chinese government, has donated 1,150,000,000 old leones to Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) to bolster its response to the ongoing Mpox epidemic. The handover ceremony, attended by senior officials including Chinese Ambassador Wang Qing, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Charles Senessie, and NPHA Executive Director Prof. Foday Sahr, marked another milestone in China’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s health system.
Ambassador Wang Qing took the opportunity to reflect on the enduring partnership between China and Sierra Leone, forged through previous health crises such as the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. Since January, China has closely monitored the Mpox outbreak, actively providing support through donations of testing kits and essential medical assistance.
China’s contributions have been instrumental in the work of the SL-China Friendship P3 Biosafety Lab, which has successfully detected more than 2,000 positive Mpox cases—accounting for over 50% of the country’s total cases. Additionally, the China Medical Team has been on the ground, conducting health education and offering medical care to affected communities. Ambassador Wang Qing reaffirmed China’s dedication to standing “hand in hand” with the people of Sierra Leone in their fight against infectious diseases.
Minister Dr. Austin Demby expressed gratitude for China’s swift intervention, highlighting the importance of global partnerships in tackling health emergencies. He stressed that solidarity remains the key to overcoming the Mpox outbreak, noting that with rapid response efforts, combined with support from local communities and international allies, Sierra Leone can successfully “bend the curve” of the epidemic in the near future.
This latest donation reinforces China’s broader vision of building a global community of health for all, ensuring that countries facing public health challenges receive the necessary assistance. As Sierra Leone continues to navigate the complexities of the Mpox outbreak, China’s sustained commitment underscores the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding public health.
The road ahead may still be challenging, but with strategic partnerships and unwavering support, Sierra Leone moves closer to overcoming Mpox and reinforcing its resilience against future health threats.
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