Humanitarian cooperation

Belarus receives over 2,000 coronavirus tests from China

MINSK, 2 April (BelTA) – An airplane carrying  humanitarian aid from China arrived at Minsk National Airport on 1 April. The plane brought more than 2,000 coronavirus tests, BelTA has learned.

The humanitarian cargo also includes medical gowns, infrared thermometers, goggles, disposable gloves and medical boot covers. Deputy Healthcare Minister Boris Androsyuk noted that the humanitarian aid is China’s response to Belarus’ humanitarian cargo sent to China before. “The delivery was initiated by the Chinese side. When China was in a difficult situation, our country sent two jets full of humanitarian cargo. China decided to return the favor to show appreciation and friendly attitude,” the deputy minister noted.

“The tests will be sent to our central laboratory. Personal protective equipment will be delivered to the hospitals with the biggest number of patients. These are the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Minsk Hospital No.6 as these healthcare facilities need it the most,” Boris Androsyuk said.

Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Cui Qiming explained that the humanitarian aid that arrived in Belarus on 1 April was just the first batch. The embassy has plans to purchase 10,000 test kits to detect coronavirus, face masks, protective gowns, infrared thermometers, pulse oximeters and other medical products as a gift to Belarus. The Chinese government is going to send a group of medical experts to Belarus to share expertise and knowledge and to provide consultations.

The humanitarian cargo was to be delivered last week, however it arrived on 1 April because of logistics issues. “Although this cargo is not big, it demonstrates the friendly attitude of Chinese people to Belarusians. We hope that it will contribute to strengthening the Belarusian healthcare system and improving its ability to fight the epidemic,” the ambassador noted.

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