by Dr Claver Nyuki
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun has revealed that three Chinese private enterprises are sponsoring the upgrade of Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital in Harare, consolidating Government efforts in increasing the country’s health sector’s preparedness following the Covid-19 global pandemic.
The donation is a gesture in the deepening of collaboration between the two all-weather sisterly countries. China also played a pivotal role in the designation of Wilkins Infectious Diseases hospital as an isolation center.
Commenting on his micro blogging site, Ambassador Shaochun said that the upgrade was not only for coping with corona virus but increasing the hospital’s capability to handle other diseases in future.
“A thorough upgrading of the Wilkins hospital has started. It's donated by three Chinese private enterprises. It is not only for coping with coronavirus, but also for enhancing the hospital's capability to handle other infectious diseases in the future,” he said.
The Ambassador also revealed that another Chinese company, Jack Ma Foundation will be donating corona virus prevention accessories to each country in Africa, Zimbabwe included, in the fight against Covid-19.
“Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation will donate to each one of the 54 African nations 20,000 testing kits, 100,000 masks, and 1,000 medical use protective suits and face shields,” said the Ambassador.
Ambassador Shaochun also paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe yesterday, with deliberations centred on the efforts in fighting the corona virus.
The Ministry posted an update on its Twitter handle, “Today, Chinese Ambassador to Zim H.E Mr Guo Shaochun paid a courtesy call on Minister, Kazembe Kazembe. Deliberations largely centred on the collaborative efforts in fighting the Covid-19 virus. The two parties also took the opportunity to reflect on their growing cooperation.”
During deliberations, Minister Kazembe highlighted Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
“While committing to Government’s efforts towards the security of Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe, in the same breath as Zimbabweans have enjoyed across China, Minister Kazembe highlighted government’s efforts towards strengthening bilateral relations for the common good of the two nations,” the Ministry tweeted.
Relatedly Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo addressed a press conference yesterday, highlighting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to launch the Zimbabwe Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan on Thursday 19 March 2020.
Dr Moyo also revealed that Government had initiated an on-going training programme on Covid-19 and that every Provincial Hospital should have a facility for quarantine.
The global pandemic which has affected about 162 countries and caused the death of over 7000 people, has led to many countries introducing travel restrictions, closure of schools and suspending sporting activities.
