China continues to support the Caribbean in its fight against COVID-19

Photo: ©Svetlana Özkaya/123rf

The People’s Republic of China has stepped in once more to support the Caribbean Region in its fight against COVID-19.

This week, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) received additional laboratory supplies for COVID-19 testing on behalf of Member States from the People’s Republic of China. The donations, made by His Excellency Fang Qiu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, were received for distribution by the CARPHA Executive Management.

The handover ceremony took place on Thursday 7th October 2021, at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Port of Spain.

“We are pleased to receive these items as the designated receiving agency for the CARICOM Secretariat. We are humbled by your continued trust in CARPHA to be the custodian of these supplies and pieces of equipment for distribution, which will add to our ability to provide support to the Governments and People of the Region in their continued fight against COVID-19,” stated Dr Joy St. John, CARPHA Executive Director in her opening remarks as she thanked Ambassador Fang Qiu.

“Over the past months, we have seen the evolution of this COVID-19 pandemic. The needs of Member States have changed over time as they respond to the fluidity of the necessary response due to the dynamic nature of the virus,” Dr St. John said, adding “CARICOM countries are currently experiencing surges in infection rates and are employing all methods to avoid overwhelming the health systems. With these surges, the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies also increased. Therefore, with this donation, Member States will have reduced procurement challenges. CARPHA and our Member States will greatly appreciate the medical supplies included in this donation, especially since supply chains are still disrupted and many of the donated supplies are difficult to procure.”