Since last year, an unreleased pandemic has been seriously beating everyone. In the face of a virus that cannot respect borders, races or nationalities, no one is safe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has been one of the regions hardest hit by Covid-19, with severe health-transating impacts to extend to all areas of the economy and society. According to the eclac’s latest report, the region had an unusual decline of 7.7% by 2020 and more than 20 million of its inhabitants were in poverty.
Faced with such a perverse situation, countries in the region have once again felt, like so many other times in recent decades, China’s sincere friendship of solidarity in the face of adverse circumstances.
Although China still has an arduous task of promoting anti-epidemic control and economic recovery in parallel, it has come, since the beginning of the pandemic and without hesitation, to help Latin American and Caribbean countries. To date, it has donated more than 34 million units of medical supplies and equipment to 30 countries in the region, held more than 40 video conferences to exchange anti-epidémic experiences. All of this has been an important support for strengthening the health system of LAC countries.
Today, with vaccines developed by several countries, it seems that humanity already hopes to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel. Worrying, however, is the frantic vaccine competition that is being observed globally.
In this context, China has demonstrated with its sincere and effective actions that it is a true friend in need for LAC countries. As of mid-March, the Asian country has provided vaccines to 12 countries in need in the region.
Citing just one example, since the arrival of Chinese vaccines at the end of January, Chile began to inoculate its 19 million inhabitants at an impressive rate and now boasts one of the highest per capita vaccination rates in the world. Chilean President Sebastián Piñera celebrated a “day of joy, excitement and hope” when he received the first batch of Chinese vaccines.
In addition to China’s willingness to collaborate, it is worth noting the safety and efficacy of Chinese vaccines. China now has 4 vaccines approved on the domestic market under conditions, and more than 60 countries have authorized the use of at least one of them.
Chinese vaccines are internationally recognized. Prestigious professional journals value Chinese vaccines based on abundant scientific and clinical evidence. Days ago, the Chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IIC), Thomas Bach, announced that the Committee will provide Chinese vaccines to players at the Tokyo Olympics and the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Chinese vaccines have been the result of anti-epidémic cooperation with LAC. Several Chinese vaccines have developed Phase III clinical trials in countries in the region such as Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru, and in close collaboration with local entities. Under this modality, Chinese vaccines have been studied, tested and certified in dozens of countries, and then included in the national immunization plan in some cases. It is an additional factor for countries in the region to access them as a matter of priority.
As an ancient proverb says: “A friend in need is a real friend.” Many will remember that when China was fighting the virus hard at the start of the outbreak, countries in the region offered it help with shows of solidarity at the highest level and significant material assistance. Having put the virus under control, China has also done the same to repay the favors received.
In this sense, the many poignant anecdotes of solidarity and cooperation between China and laC have been strong indications that this is a friendship beyond geographical distance and adversity.
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