For the past weeks, China has been dealing with the novel coronavirus outbreak. The outbreak picked-up speed as the country was celebrating the Spring Festival. In Kenya, many overseas Chinese put their celebrations on hold to focus on the important mission of helping out their fellow citizens back in China.
For Li Jie, the outbreak hits close to home. His wife’s family is originally from Wuhan, and his in-laws were nearing the end of their 3-month visit to Kenya when the outbreak happened. Wuhan is at the epicenter of China’s coronavirus outbreak. Though Li is Chinese, he has lived in Kenya for over 10 years. He owns businesses in Nairobi, and also acts as a member of the Kenya Hebei Chamber of Commerce.
“When the virus actually booms up. We feel very bad”, he says. “We feel very sorry. We just want to look around to see what we can do for our country. “
For the past two weeks, the Hebei and Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Kenya have sent thousands of medical supplies to China. The supplies include; face masks, disposable surgical masks, goggles and other materials. Across China supplies like these are running low.
The businessmen have also made considerable effort to help in Kenya. Li for his part donated face masks and goggles to Kenya Airways. For him the donations were much more than just a gesture, “ I think it’s our responsibility because we have been working here, and living here for more than 10 years. Kenya Airways is the entrance for the country of Kenya. So if we cannot keep them safe how can they welcome more guests safely into this country. So their safety is our concern,” Li explained.
Both Zhuo Wu and He Qinwen of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce have also been working to send supplies to China. Both men have used their experience to help locate, organize, and ship the materials. He Qinwen through China Southern Airlines has led the efforts to handle the shipping and clearance of the donations.
Through China Southern Airlines a batch of donations was able to safely make its way to Wuhan. At first, a challenge presented itself when the airplane’s cargo space filled up. The airline upgraded passengers to their business class and filled the rest of the passenger cabin with supplies. After a 12-hour flight they arrived at Changsha airport in China.
The supplies were then driven to two Wuhan hospitals handling coronavirus patients. Both Dongxihu and Jiangxia hospitals received crucial supplies. Jiangxia hospital received 3,600 N-95 masks, as well as 40,000 disposable surgical masks. Meanwhile, over 149,000 disposable surgical masks, and other supplies made their way to Dongxihu hospital.
The businessmen continue to send medical supplies to China. They are among the many other overseas Chinese doing their best to help as the country deals with the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Writing by Asta Tall
