China has donated medical equipment to Samoa to deal with the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The official presentation of the equipment at the Chinese Embassy last Friday had to be cancelled after the country announced its second suspected positive COVID-19 case.

However, due to the urgency of the situation the equipment was handed over to Samoa’s Ministry of Health last Friday.

The equipment included two intensive care ventilators, 50 sets of breathing circuit and mask, two mobile ultraviolet disinfection vehicles and 25 ultraviolet disinfection lamps. The devices are expected to give Samoa more flexibility in its preparation for possible onset of the virus.

A statement issued by the Chinese Embassy stated that the ventilators are crucial for COVID-19 infection treatment since severe cases can only receive respiratory support through ventilators.

“Chinese side shares the same sorrow and pain with the government and people of Samoa and that is why Chinese Embassy acted swiftly to make the urgent procurement within one week despite the fact that ventilators are in shortage of supply worldwide,” states the Embassy’s media release.

According to the Embassy, the donation of the medical equipment is an example of the two countries’ long-time health partnership, and comes on top of the $1.53 million worth of personnel protection equipment and medical aid donated by China to Samoa this year. 

China has also established the China-Pacific island Countries Anti-Epidemic Cooperation Fund, through which USD$250,000 was provided to Samoa. 

Last month six voluntary experts who comprise the Chinese medical team began working at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital at Moto’otua to support the country’s national COVID-19 response.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Samoa. 

Just as was celebrated over the past 45 years, China will continue to stand side-by-side with Samoa to jointly tide over the unprecedented health crisis, added the Embassy. 

It is understood that this is not the first time China has donated medical equipment and resources to the Government of Samoa.