Chinese First Lady donates 18,000 surgical masks to Beyond Zero

Zhao Xiyuan, Charge D’Affaires (CDA) Embassy of the People’s Republic of China with Ms Angella Langat, Beyond Zero's Coordinator at the Beyond Zero offices during the handover of medical supplies donated by Her Excellency Prof. Peng Liyuan, First Lady of the People's Republic of China to Her Excellency First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. The donation is part of the Chinese Government’s consignment of COVID-19 medical supplies delivered to African countries to combat the pandemic through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). [PSCU, Standard]

The Beyond Zero’s health campaign has received a consignment of 18,000 surgical masks and 120 infrared forehead thermometers to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yesterday, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta thanked Chinese First Lady Prof Peng Liyuan for donating medical supplies. 

The donation is part of the Chinese government’s consignment of medical supplies delivered to African countries through the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (Oaflad), of which Mrs Kenyatta is a member.

The First Lady said the donation would go a long way in supporting her efforts in safeguarding women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups from the disease.

Donations received

Beyond Zero’s Coordinator, Ms Angella Lang'at yesterday received the Chinese donation at the organisation's offices in Nairobi on behalf of the First Lady.

“Kindly convey our warmest and sincere gratitude from Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta to Her Excellency Prof Peng Liyuan for this kind gesture,” Lang'at told Mr Zhao Xiyuan, the Charge D’Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, who presented the donation on behalf of the Chinese First Lady.

The Beyond Zero Coordinator said the donation demonstrated China’s friendship with Kenya and their continued collaboration through Oaflad.

“The partnership and collaboration between Oaflad and the Chinese government in areas that concern our continent extends beyond today,” Lang'at said.

Xiyuan said the donation was a reflection of Peng’s care for the health and development of Kenyan women and children, as well as the friendship between China and Kenya.

“China and Kenya have offered mutual support and fought Covid-19 shoulder to shoulder. China shall always remember the invaluable support Kenya gave at the height of our battle with the coronavirus.

 Stood with Kenya

"In return, when Kenya was struck by the virus, China was the first to rush in with assistance and has since stood with the Kenyan people,” Zhao said.

Oaflad yesterday also hosted a high level webinar on the health and socioeconomic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic towards the realisation of Universal Health Coverage in Africa.