Chinese Ebola Treatment Unit decommissioned in Liberia

The Chinese Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) run by members of the Peoples' Liberation Army that supported the response process of the government was decommissioned today in the capital Monrovia after achieving its objective.

Its closure followed the WHO declaration of Liberia as an Ebola- free country last Saturday.

The Chinese ETU was established in November 2014 following a pronouncement by Chinese President Xi Jinping that China would establish an Ebola Treatment Unit in Liberia.

More than 350 paramedics of the People Liberation Army staffed the 100-bed facility located at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, outside the capital, Monrovia.

A modern ETU is fully equipped to response to the infectious disease cost the government of China 7 million U.S. dollars.

Since it was established, the facility admitted 110 patients, with 10 confirmed Ebola cases, six survivors and Liberia's last Ebola patient to survive came from the Chinese ETU.

Ambassador Zhang Yue in announcing the closure praised the level of cooperation among of international players, including the African Union, the United States and scores of international non- governmental organizations.

"My appreciation goes to the government of Liberia and the Liberian co-workers in China ETU. Their cooperation and support to us made everything done smoothly. " said Mr. Zhang.

According to him, "The Spirit of international cooperation has been well displayed in this process."

In remarks, Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said the closure of the Chinese ETU was proof that ended the country's darkest era in history.

"Today we witness the formal closure of a treatment center, evidencing further departure from those very difficult days of August through October," President Sirleaf said.

The Liberian leader recalled that China was one of the first countries to come to the aid of Liberia when it single-handedly airlifted medical supplies to Liberia on the orders of President Xi Jinping.

"China, I want you to know that in those days you really responded to a very critical need," she said, applauding the host of other partners who helped in the fight against Ebola.

A Liberian healthcare worker, who spoke on behalf of 80 Liberian staff at that treatment unit, Loretta Lormie, thanked the Chinese for building their capacity for future responses to such infectious disease like Ebola.

She said knowledge acquired during the Chinese stewardship has enabled and provided the capacity of running a treatment unit in the future. Endi