The New Development Bank (NDB), which is partly owned by South Africa, is fully committed to supporting China’s fight against coronavirus.
The coronavirus, which was first detected in Wuhan, has killed thousand of people. There have now been more than 40,000 cases of the new coronavirus worldwide, which has been declared a global health emergency. The death toll in China stands at 1,016.
The NDB said in a cautious statement appreciated China’s ‘great efforts and effective measures’ aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“We are confident in China’s epidemic prevention and control ability as well as measures taken by the Chinese Government so far to prevent the spread of infection, including the allocation of more than RMB 71 billion in funds ($10 billion) to contain the coronavirus,” said the bank.
At the same time, the NDB said it was ready to provide its contribution, in line with the Bank’s mandate.
The bank is jointly created by the BRICS Countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Each country owns 20% of the bank.
“The NDB is fully committed to supporting China in the time of calamity,” reads the statement.
The Bank stands ready to provide its full support, including emergency financing, and now is in the process of consultations with the Chinese Government concerning specific actions, it added.
“We also look forward to working together and joining hands with our partners, including other multilateral development banks, in supporting the capacity of our member countries to deal with public health emergencies.”
At this difficult time for China, the management and staff of the New Development Bank said they would like to express sincere and profound feelings of sympathy over the coronavirus outbreak.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by and fighting this health challenge for China and the rest of the world.”
The South African Department of Health, continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving developments surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak. The World Health Organisation provides us with daily situational updates and continues to inform us should there be revisions in guidelines.
