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Belarusian Gomel Oblast sends message of encouragement to Italy

GOMEL, 25 March (BelTA) – Gomel Oblast sends words of encouragement to its Italian friends and partners over the coronavirus situation in Italy. Messages from residents of Gomel Oblast signed by Governor Gennady Solovei are sent to Italian regions and cities and to the Belarusian Embassy in Italy, Press Secretary of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee Olga Ryabikova told journalists on 25 March, BelTA has learned.

“The sad news from Italy strikes a chord with all Belarusians. Gomel Oblast was hit the worst by the Chernobyl accident, several generations of children have basked in Italian sun and the warmth of your hearts. We share the sorrow of those who lost their loved ones. We wish those who are ill a speedy recovery. We admire the courage of the Italian people in the fight against the epidemic,” the message reads. It expresses confidence that the decisive measures taken by the Italian authorities and medics as well as the assistance of the international community will help Italy overcome this challenge and return to normal life with optimism.

Chairman of the international public charitable association Help for Chernobyl Children Gennady Koretsky noted that Italy has helped Gomel Oblast deal with the impact of the Chernobyl accident that happened more than 30 years go. Since the start of cooperation, more than 120,000 children from Gomel Oblast have gone to Italy for recuperation. “Children and their families have become very close to their Italian friends. We receive phone calls from a lot of people who ask how they can help Italy. What Italians need right now is words of encouragement. We tell them: hundreds, thousands of Belarusians are with you, our hearts are with you,” Gennady Koretsky said.

He stressed that Italian partners help not only send children for recuperation, but also renovate social establishments and implement projects in healthcare even in these difficult times. “I will give only one example. Today the Italian organization Help for Children Parma transferred money for medical equipment for Korma District Central Hospital and for the project on cervical cancer screening using the Pap test that enables to diagnose cancer at early stages,” Gennady Koretsky noted. He added that Italian partners and associations guarantee that healthcare projects will not be ended. “None of the projects has been canceled yet, only put on hold,” Gennady Koretsky said.

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