WORKING TOGETHER TO DEFEAT THE EPIDEMIC
ATTHE beginning of the New Year, the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in China has touched the hearts of people in China as well as the world. The epidemic is not something to be feared.
The key is to avoid panic, united as one, be open and transparent, adopt effective prevention and control measures and respond scientifically and rationally.
This is exactly what China is doing with all its might.
President Xi Jinping is commanding this battle against the epidemic in China. He has visited communities, hospitals, and disease control centers to give instructions for national prevention and control. The Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council has strengthened coordination to resolve urgent problems encountered in prevention and control in a timely manner.
All 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in Mainland China have initiated Grade I responses to major public health emergencies, building a comprehensive, multi-level prevention and control system focusing on Wuhan and Hubei.
All walks of life have donated money and supplies. Medical staff from various places have joined Hubei to reinforce medical work. People have taken the initiative to quarantine themselves at home.
We have formed a powerful energy against the epidemic.
Acting in an open, transparent and responsible way, China has been sharing information and strengthening cooperation with World Health Organisation ( WHO) and the international community to jointly safeguard global and regional public health security. As WHO Director-General Dr Tedros put it after his visit to China, the Chinese government has taken the most comprehensive and strict prevention and control measures, many of which have far exceeded the International Health Regulations.
“China is setting a new standard for outbreak response. There is no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel,” Dr Tedros said. So far, leaders of 120 countries and international organisations, including Zambia, have expressed condolences and support to China, and many have assisted China with urgently needed medical supplies. By 24:00 of February 10, a total of 3,996 cases had been cured and discharged in China.
The number of confirmed cases reported daily in all provinces except Hubei decreased from 890 cases on February 3 to 304 cases on February 10, a decrease of 65.8 percent. The death rate caused by the epidemic is about 2.0 percent, which is far lower than other previous epidemics. Confirmed infections outside China are rare, accounting for less than one percent of the total. We can prevent the virus from spreading. The epidemic is preventable, controllable and treatable.
Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the Chinese Embassy in Zambia has maintained close contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Zambia and the Ministry of Health as well as the departments of disease control, border control and immigration. President Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu wrote a letter of condolences and support to President Xi Jinping.
Foreign Minister Hon Joseph Malanji made a public statement of firm support for China. All walks of life of Zambian society expressed their confidence in China's victory over the epidemic and their support and blessings to the Chinese people in different ways.
The Chinese people are sincerely grateful to the kind gesture. Many friends are concerned about the impact of the epidemic on the Chinese and world economy. In the short term, it will definitely have certain impact on the Chinese economy, but in the medium and long term, the impact will be temporary.
The size and resilience of the Chinese economy are no longer what they once were. The epidemic will not change the fundamentals of the Chinese economy that are sound in the long run.
In addition, I have a special attention to the Zambian students in Hubei province, especially those in Wuhan. Indeed, they are facing difficulties. Fortunately, both the Chinese and Zambian governments are looking after their health and safety. From a medical standpoint, the choice is to stay where they are and take personal precautions.
The relevant Chinese institutions are fully capable of meeting their concerns. China will continue to look after them well.
China has the institutional strength of concentrating resources to accomplish major undertakings, strong organisational and mobilising capabilities, and rich experience in dealing with SARS and other public health crisis.
We have the confidence, capability and determination to win the battle.
Many friends are concerned about the impact of the epidemic on the Chinese and world economy. In the short term, it will definitely have certain impact on the Chinese economy, but in the medium and long term, the impact will be temporary.