China has continuously shown its solidarity with the African continent for decades and it has been no different since the continent was hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.

China, with its experience in fighting the virus, has aided Africa from early on when they sent medical staff, masks, gloves and test kits to the continent.

Later on, China began supplying African nations with more medical staff as well as badly needed vaccines to combat the virus.

So far, 30 African countries have received or are set to receive Chinese vaccines.

China will also be supplying raw materials to Egypt which will soon begin producing China’s Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in June.

Data shows that 46 Chinese medical teams in Africa have been mobilized for Africa’s response efforts.

Africa has received 15 ad hoc medical experts teams from China who have swiftly set up cooperation mechanisms for Chinese hospitals to pair up with 43 African hospitals in response to fighting the pandemic.

So far,  Africa has received around 54.9 million COVID-19 vaccines, which covers about 2.1 percent of the continent’s population.

China’s foreign ministry’s spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference in February that China will continue to aid more African countries with COVD-19 vaccines as part of its commitment to making vaccines global public good.

The aid is a clear manifestation of the China-Africa traditional friendship, Wang said, adding that China will continue to provide support and assistance within its capacity and in accordance with the needs of Africa.

(With input from Xinhua)