Jack Ma Foundation donates again

The Jack Ma Foundation has donated medical supplies to the government of Ghana to support the nation’s fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). This is the second donation from the Foundation and third from the Peoples Republic of China to the government of Ghana.

The items included 18,900 test kits, which were handed over to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). The rest of items, which were handed over to the government for onward distribution to health facilities across the country were 3,700 protective suits, 3,700 protective face masks, 9,500 pairs of gloves, 36 forehead thermometers, and 12 ventilators, which were handed over to the government.

Presenting the items, Mr. Cha, a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana said China is not out of the woods as far as the fight against Covid-19 pandemic is concerned, but is willing to support Ghana’s efforts.

Touching on allegations of substandard and contaminated medical supplies donated to the country by the Chinese people, Mr. Cha explained that the items were thoroughly examined in China to ensure they met international standards before shipment.

On arrival in Ghana, the items were thoroughly examined by the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to ensure the medical supplies were in good condition.

He therefore urged the public to have confidence in the relationship between China and Ghana, adding “If we unite as one, the coronavirus will not be a problem”.

Receiving the items, the Chairman of the Health Commodity Group of Covid-19, Mr. Matthew Kyeremeh, expressed the government’s gratitude to Jack Ma Foundation and the government of the Peoples Republic of China for the donation.

He pledged the government’s commitment to continue to make good use of the items for the success of the fight against the disease.

Prof. Abraham Kwabena Annan, Director for the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMCMR), who received the test kits, said the items were very important contribution towards the emergency response to the fight against the Covid-19.

He described the test kits as “very vital for Ghana’s response”. Since there is an indication that community transmission of the disease has started, there is the need to screen people at the community level, and more people tested for the disease to give a clear picture of how the disease is distributed to inform decision making.