15th batch Chinese medical team arrives in Liberia

A nine-member team, known as the 15th batch of China's Medical Association, has arrived in the west African country of Liberia.

The doctors, including surgeons and those specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, are in the country for one year to work with Liberian doctors in strengthening the country's health system, according to China's Ambassador to Liberia, Ren Yisheng.

Ren made the announcement on Monday during a media dialogue organized by the Chinese embassy near Monrovia. He told local media executives that the doctors are undergoing quarantine, after which they will commence work at the JFK Hospital in Monrovia.

While in the country, the China aid medical team plans to promote China's successful experience and jointly fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. They will carry out diagnosis and treatment of over 5,000 cases in the country, and provide two free clinics in Liberia's Grand Bassa and other counties.

Also, the team will promote Sino-African counterpart hospital cooperation projects, train medical staff, promote traditional Chinese medicines, make donations of medical equipment and medicines, and carry out the application of new technologies commonly used in clinical practice.

Moreover, Ren stated that China will continue to actively cooperate with Liberia in the field of medicine and health, and will work with the country to jointly overcome the pandemic.

Last year, China's 14th batch medical team in the country donated medical instruments and medicines including advanced vital sign monitors, fetal heart rate monitors, light reading films and various common drugs to the JFK Hospital in Monrovia.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jerry Brown, speaking to local media also on Monday, expressed delight about the doctors' arrival in the country.

Brown disclosed that later this month the JFK hospital management will hold a ceremony to officially welcome the 15th batch Chinese medical team to the country.

He thanked the Chinese government for its consistent support to Liberia's health system strengthening, adding that the doctors coming from China are well qualified and they always provide quality medical services at the hospital.