A staff member stands alongside medical supplies donated by China's Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation to 54 African countries at the airport in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on March 22, 2020. An inspiring quote by late South African President Nelson Mandela – "When people are determined, they can overcome anything" – is printed on the packing boxes.[Photo/Xinhua]
Pan-African solidarity
Toga stressed that pan-African solidarity is of paramount importance as the continent sees increasing numbers of cases.
The death toll from the ongoing outbreak on the continent has reached 146, whilst confirmed cases surpassed 4,760 in 46 countries as of March 30, according to data from Africa CDC.
"It is good that Africa CDC is coordinating continental efforts and setting guidelines based on WHO general guidelines," said Toga.
According to the ambassador, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched an initiative with China's Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation, mobilizing the first continent wide donations for diagnostic kits and protective equipment to 54 African countries. Since March 22, Ethiopian Airlines has been forwarding the donations to all capitals across Africa. This is one good example of continental and global solidarity.
A recent press release by the African Union (AU) stated, "The relief initiative [is] part of actions towards implementation of the Africa joint continental strategy for COVID-19 led by the AU through Africa CDC."
China's contributions
Toga said that China has shown the world how to prevent and control such a national challenge with the joint efforts of government, health workers, the Chinese people, the media and all other sectors of society.
"Now China, with its own fight still at hand, decided to extend its support globally by sending health professionals to share their experiences, donating medical supplies and also contributing to the global system by donating to WHO."
China is taking the global fight seriously and understands very well that victory can only be claimed when COVID-19 is defeated globally, the ambassador highlighted.
"China has done its part in an unprecedented way," he commented.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, many countries, including member states of the AU, have lent great support and invaluable help to the Chinese government and people. Now that the country has largely brought the virus under control, it is offering emergency assistance within its capabilities to many other countries, as well as international and regional organizations such as the WHO and AU.
Anti-discrimination
Toga also touched upon the xenophobia, discrimination and stigmatization shown towards Chinese and people of Asian descent in the wake of the outbreak, urging people around the world to stop discriminating in relation to the virus.
"We need to think rationally, reasonably and [consider the] evidence," the ambassador said.
Toga believes people should understand that viruses have broken out in the past and will again in the future. As they affect all of humanity, to link a virus to the citizens of the country where it breaks out is wrong and based on a misperception.
"Leaders at all levels and ordinary people should fight equally the stigma, xenophobia and discrimination wherever it occurs," he noted, adding "human beings should support, care and love each other at times of challenges and also celebrate victory together."
