The People’s Republic of China’s Red Cross Society has donated $250,000 (US$100,000) worth of emergency medical and humanitarian to Samoa to assist with the measles crisis.
The donation was officially presented to Government Friday afternoon by the Chargé D'Affaires with China’s Embassy in Samoa Li Hongjing to the CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Leasiosio Oscar Thomas Malielegaoi at the NEOC office in Apia.
The assistance will provide medical equipment and supplies urgently needed by Samoa and it will complement the contribution by a team of six Chinese Medical Specialists on the ground working with their Samoan and international colleagues to overcome the crisis.
China was unfortunate to experience a similar major epidemic in 2003, elaborated Ms Li and her country from that experience can relate to the challenges faced by Samoa as result of the crisis.
To that effect she reassured that “China is always ready to help when Samoa is in need, and China will always be ready to assist.”
“On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the People and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, through his Excellency Chao Xiaoliang for this generous gift/donation, to assist with our relief efforts,” acknowledge CEO Leasiosio.
“At times like this, we find comfort knowing that we have friends near and far who are willing to come to Samoa’s aid at our hour of need.”
Photo supplied Caption: Chargé D'Affaires with China’s Embassy in Samoa Li Hongjing (right) presenting emergency medical aid to Government. CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Leasiosio Oscar Thomas Malielegaoi accepting the assistance.