On August 20, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi, South Sudan’s Vice President for Service Cluster and Chairperson of the National Taskforce on Coronavirus Disease, met with all members of the the Anti-epidemic Medical Expert Team sent by the Chinese government. Ambassador Hua Ning and Hon. Elizabeth Acuei Yol, Minister of Health, Hon. Mayen Machut Achiek, Undersecretary of Ministry of Health, attended the meeting.
On behalf of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the government and people of South Sudan, Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi warmly welcomed the Chinese expert team to South Sudan to support the fight against the epidemic. He pointed out that after the outbreak of COVID-19 in South Sudan, China was the first country to provide emergency anti-epidemic supplies. China’s aid to the country has played an important role in the prevention and control of the epidemic. The Chinese Medical Expert Team's presence in Juba shows that China attaches great importance to South Sudan and its deep friendship towards South Sudan. It is hoped that Chinese experts could actively impart anti-epidemic experience and skill, help South Sudan to train medical staff, and effectively improve the country's ability to respond to the epidemic.
Amb. Hua said that the Chinese Medical Expert Team to South Sudan is the first group of experts sent by China to Africa after the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19, and is another important action by China to support African countries in fighting the epidemic. The Chinese people paid close attention to this visit by Chinese experts to South Sudan, and the Chinese media made extensive reports. It is believed that their arrival will boost the fight against the epidemic in South Sudan. China is committed to developing long-term medical and health cooperation with South Sudan and promoting the development of health services in the country.
Professor Liang Chaozhao, the team leader of the expert team, said that his team was entrusted by the Chinese government to share China's successful experience in fighting the epidemic with all walks of life in South Sudan. During their stay in the country, the expert team will work hard and make every effort to help South Sudan fight the epidemic.
Before the meeting with Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, the expert team also had in-depth exchanges and discussions with the South Sudanese Medical Advisory Panel on the epidemic situation and response of the country.