China will send a team of medical experts to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the early hours of Tuesday to support local efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak, according to China’s National Health Commission (NHC).
The deployment follows a decision by the Chinese government after the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17 classified the Ebola outbreak in the DRC as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”
The high-level team, which has extensive experience in epidemic prevention and control, will work alongside the 24th batch of the Chinese medical team already stationed in the DRC. The experts will also collaborate closely with local health authorities and disease control agencies to strengthen outbreak containment measures.
In addition to supporting frontline response efforts, the team will provide training on Ebola prevention and treatment for local healthcare workers, members of the Chinese medical mission, staff at the Chinese embassy, Chinese enterprises operating in the country, and overseas Chinese citizens.
An NHC official said the mission demonstrates China’s commitment to international cooperation in tackling public health emergencies. The official added that the experts will share China’s experience in epidemic response while helping enhance the DRC’s capacity for Ebola prevention, control, and treatment based on local conditions.
Since the outbreak emerged, the Chinese medical team already operating in the DRC has activated emergency response mechanisms, established a disease prevention and control system, conducted training exercises and drills, coordinated the procurement of essential supplies, and improved living conditions for medical personnel.
Members of the team have remained on the clinical front lines, providing medical services and helping safeguard the health of both local communities and Chinese nationals residing in the DRC.
The latest deployment highlights growing international efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the deadly virus within the region and beyond.
