Ma’s medical donation arrives

Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe is expected to start receiving a huge consignment of Covid-19 medical equipment from Chinese billionaire Mr Jack Ma.

The first 100 test kits are expected in the country tomorrow by DHL, while the rest of the consignment which includes 20 000 test kits, 100 000 masks and 1 000 medical-use protective suits and face shields will be delivered by Ethiopian Airlines, as per agreement with the donor.

Africa’s first consignment of Covid-19 testing and protection equipment arrived in Ethiopia yesterday and the distribution process will begin today. Zimbabwe is part of the 54 African Union member states set to benefit from the consignment.

The consignment, which includes over 1,5 million laboratory diagnostic test kits as well as more than 100 tonnes of infection prevention and control commodities, arrived at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Sunday.

The relief initiative is part of action towards the implementation of the Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 and is being led by the African Union through the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

Speaking from his base in Addis Ababa, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi said the Africa CDC is already working on logistics to ensure that distribution of the equipment and commodities commences soon. “I can confirm that the first 100 test kits will be distributed through DHL and as per agreement the rest will be delivered by Ethiopian Airlines, which was appointed to do the distribution,” he said.

Ethiopian Airlines will help distribute the equipment to each of the member states as part of its contribution to fighting Covid-19 in Africa.

Dr John Nkengasong, director of Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) said the test kits and other materials will support African countries in their fight against this outbreak.

“This is a great honour and initiative and a great sign of solidarity that the world needs at this critical time. The test kits and other materials will support African countries in their fight against this outbreak,” he said.

“We are facing a humanitarian situation, an economic situation and a security situation in the continent and Africa CDC clearly applauds the initiative of the prime minister and the Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundations.”

Covid-19 continues to spread rapidly across continents, and has so far claimed over 12 000 lives globally.