China sent a team disease control experts to Iraq over the weekend and contributed US$20 million to the World Health Organisation as part of its contribution to global efforts to contain the coronavirus epidemic.
The team, comprising seven specialists from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, arrived in Baghdad on Saturday night and are expected to stay in Iraq for one month to help with testing, treatment and follow-up care of patients, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday, quoting team leader Tao Zhongquan.
Last month, Beijing sent a medical team to Iran, the country worst-hit in the Middle East, with more than 6,566 cases and 194 fatalities from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
So far, 54 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Iraq, of whom four have died, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Health.
“The arrival of Chinese experts and medical equipment will enhance prevention and control of the coronavirus epidemic in Iraq,” Xinhua quoted deputy Iraqi health minister Jassim al-Falahi as saying.
According to the Red Cross Society of China, which is acting on behalf of Beijing, a shipment of diagnostic kits, medical supplies, and traditional Chinese medicine was also sent to Iraq.