People's Republic of China helps the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a donation of 64 tonnes of medical materials and equipment amid the Covid-19 Pandemic

Foreign Minister Marie Tumba Nzeza and her health colleague Eteni Longondo received the package on Wednesday in the presence of the Chinese ambassador to the DRC.

Faced with the spread of the epidemic, China, which was the first country to face the disease, sent aid to the DRC consisting of 66 tonnes of medical materials and equipment.

According to the WHO, this aid initially intended for the fight against Ebola will be used for the treatment of patients with the new coronavirus in health facilities.

The donation includes surgical gowns and masks, protective aprons and thermal imaging cameras.

This aid was received when the country went from 7 to 14 cases tested positive in Kinshasa this evening. Of the 7 new patients diagnosed, 5 had stayed in Europe, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

It is in this context that President Tshisekedi is about to speak this evening to address the nation. The head of state who chaired a crisis meeting on Tuesday on the subject will have to announce drastic measures to counter the disease which has passed the milestone of 7,000 deaths worldwide.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor