Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed China for its support for Africa’s fight against COVID-19.
Buhari was among African leaders that attended a virtual Extraordinary China-Africa Solidarity Summit do deliberate on the fight against COVID-19, held on Wednesday.
The meeting was initiated by China, Senegal and South Africa as the world continues its fight against the pandemic.
“I wish to acknowledge the support of the Chinese government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Xi Jinping, for the considerable assistance extended to Africa and, in particular, to Nigeria,” Buhari said.
“This has tremendously strengthened our effort in combating COVID-19 during these difficult times. President Xi’s strong support has also further demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and enhanced the bond of partnership that already exist among FOCAC Member-States.”
Buhari also took the opportunity to comment the United Nations and the World Health Organization for their response in tackling the pandemic.
The meeting came at a time when the number of COVID-19 cases in Africa has surpassed 252,000 and the deaths exceed 6,700, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
China has been at the forefront in supporting Africa’s fight against the disease by supporting material and financial support.
Since early March, China has provided medical supplies, including test kits and medical protective gear to more than 50 African countries as well as the African Union , and it has also sent seven medical teams to the continent to share treatment and prevention experience and help train local medical staff, according to a recent government white paper.
Resident Chinese medical teams based in 45 African countries have acted swiftly to assist in the local response, and they have held nearly 400 training sessions for tens of thousands of African medical workers.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s full speech: https://bit.ly/3fD6pwp
