Africa has received the first batch of protective and medical equipment donated by Chinese billionaire and Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma
Checkout Magazine learnt that the donations were flown into the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Sunday, as coronavirus cases in Africa rose above 1,100.
The virus has spread more slowly in Africa than in Asia or Europe but has a foothold in 41 African nations and two territories. So far it has claimed 37 lives across the continent of 1.3 billion people.
A statement by Ma’s foundation read, “The flight carried 5.4 million face masks, kits for 1.08 million detection tests, 40,000 sets of protective clothing and 60,000 sets of protective face shields,” Ma’s foundation said in a statement.
“The faster we move, the earlier we can help.”
The supplies will be distributed across Africa, with countries particularly “vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic” to receive theirs first, the statement said, adding that more supplies will be sent to Ethiopia in the coming weeks.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Twitter that the distribution of supplies will start on Monday.
Africa CDC also warned that some coronavirus cases may be slipping through undetected.
“More kits does not necessarily mean more tests. Tests are conducted on persons suspected to be infected,” Africa CDC spokesman James Ayodele told Reuters.
