Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital, which is the
country’s isolation centre for suspected coronavirus patients, is set to
undergo a facelift following a commitment by the Chinese Government to assist
the country in further strengthening its national response towards any
suspected cases.
Units covering diagnosis, isolation and management of any
suspected cases are targeted under this new partnership, in which China is also
hoping to work with local enterprises to make the facelift a reality.
Officials from the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe are expected
to visit the isolation centre today (Thursday) to assess gaps needing further
strengthening and respond accordingly.
In an interview soon after meeting Health and Child Care
Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo and his team from head office as well as Harare City
Council, Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhao Baogang said China was
ready to assist African countries in building strong systems against
coronavirus.
“Here in Zimbabwe, the Chinese Embassy is working very
closely with the Government, through the Ministry of Health and we are ready to
provide equipment, to enhance the capacity of the hospital and also to upgrade
it,” said Mr Baogang.
Without announcing how much was committed to the project,
Mr Baogang said with the joint efforts from other stakeholders, the country
should be able to mobilise all necessary resources to fight against coronavirus
disease.
“We want to take the lead. While we are the first country
to offer help, we also call upon other countries, developed countries and
international organisations to offer help to African countries including
Zimbabwe,” he said.
Responding to the Chinese’s latest gesture, Health and
Child Care Minister, Dr Moyo said the assistance will go a long way in further
strengthening the country’s preparedness and give confidence to health workers
on the safety of their working environment.
“We are very happy with the assistance that the Chinese
Embassy is going to be offering us towards upgrading of our isolation facility.
This will help a lot and improve further our preparedness while giving
confidence to our staff as well that they are also working in a safe environment,”
said Dr Moyo.
Zimbabwe has not yet recorded any case of coronavirus but
previously isolated two suspected cases for further investigations, both cases
of which tested negative to the virus. Herald
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