Tianjin expert anti-epidemic medical team leaves for Burkina Faso

At the invitation of the Burkina Faso government, a Chinese expert anti-epidemic medical team departed from Tianjin today to facilitate virus containment work in the African nation.

Organized by the national and Tianjin health commissions, the team consists of 12 experts from the Tianjin People's Hospital, which holds World Health Organization certification for building an international emergency medical team.

Together with members of the Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they will provide extensive expert support in areas like respiration, critical illness, internal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, testing, epidemiological investigation, disinfection, nursing and others.

Liu Jun, deputy president of the Tianjin People's Hospital, said: "After being informed of the task, we took the initiative to contact their hospitals and assess the local epidemic situation, including getting information on their patients and treatment plans. This has better prepared our colleagues, when they get to Burkina Faso, to share their experience of fighting the virus and to benefit local anti-epidemic work.”

Part of the members selected for this mission are experienced experts who learned how to curb the contagious virus while fighting on the epidemic’s front line in Hubei province, the most hard-hit area in China.

Su Yi, respiratory expert at Tianjin People’s Hospital, was among the first batch of Tianjin medical team members to go to support Hubei. He got back to his home just two weeks ago. "When I received the notice to assist Burkina Faso just several days after I arrived home, I didn't hesitate to join in, because this is the responsibility of being a doctor,” he said. “My family is also very supportive, and the community takes care of them for me, so that I can put my whole heart into this special mission.”

China and Africa have supported each other in overcoming difficulties. Under these circumstances, the two parties have provided anti-epidemic materials, and experts from both sides have exchanged their experiences via video-link. Many local Chinese provinces, cities, enterprises, and private institutions have also lent support by providing anti-epidemic materials.

Yang Bingjun, deputy director of the Hospital Infection-Control Dept of Tianjin People’s Hospital, said: "The China-Africa friendship has a long history. I’m honored to have the opportunity to participate in the local fight against the epidemic in Burkina Faso, this time as a Chinese doctor. I will pass on China's successful experiences in the fight against epidemics to local medical staff to help them quickly control the epidemic."

"We here in Tianjin are looking forward to your triumphant peace," Cao Xiaohong, deputy mayor of Tianjin, said at the expedition ceremony held on April 15. “The virus knows no borders, and it is spreading in Burkina Faso. We must stand with them, join hands with them to win the fight. I hope you will keep your mission in mind and bear the utmost care, and fully embody the responsibilities of Chinese medical workers.”