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Liberia releases last Ebola patient from Chinese-donated treatment unit

(Xinhua)    09:28, March 07, 2015
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MONROVIA, March 6 -- Liberia discharged the last confirmed Ebola patient on Thursday from a Chinese-run Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) in the country's capital Monrovia.

Ms. Beatrice Yardolo, 59, arrived Feb. 18 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex where she spent at least 15 days in an intensive care, which is managed by Chinese medical team and Liberian nurses.

"I didn't think I could have survived. Since Ebola hit the country, three of my children were taken away by the virus," Yardolo said.

Yardolo contracted the virus from one of her children, whom Yardolo had cared for while the child was sick.

At a brief ceremony held at the Chinese ETU, Yardolo thanked the Chinese medical team that looked after her wellbeing.

She stated that she was prepared to be stigmatized by people who don't understand the nature of the disease but once her family will be around to show her love, care and concern, she wouldn't be moved.

Liberia's health authorities said the country has now gone at least 13 days without a confirmed Ebola case, adding that they are waiting to complete the next 29 days in order to be declared Ebola- free if no confirmed cases pop up.

Forty-two days is the internationally-accepted period for declaring Ebola over as it represents two full cycles of the maximum possible incubation period of the disease.

According to the World Health Organization, Liberia has recorded 9,200 confirmed, probable and suspected Ebola cases and 4, 117 of them died of the virus since early 2014.

Health authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and assist in eradicating the virus from Liberia.

In face of the horrific outbreak of Ebola, China has carried out its largest aid program in the health area, providing several rounds of humanitarian aid with a combined value of more than 120 million U. S. dollars and sending hundreds of medical workers to the African frontline.

Beijing has also offered another 10 million dollars in cash to international organizations as part of the global collective efforts in subduing the fatal virus.

Addressing the brief ceremony, Pang Hanzhao, counsellor with the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese medical team for their "arduous work and hard efforts" for making "one more miracle in the fight against Ebola.

Ms. Rose L. Barbuto, Officer in Charge of UN Mission Ebola Emergency Response, stated that Yardolo's survival, and the survival of thousands of Liberians, is a testimony to the resilience of the Liberian people and international assistance.

"The progress made so far is a great achievement, the world should be thankful," she said, adding the country has not yet been declared Ebola-free and that everyone must stay focused.

Mr. Tolbert Nyenswah, head of Liberia's Incident Management System, said March 5 was of significance for Liberia.

He further stated that at least 13 of Liberia's 15 counties, have gone more than 42 days; however, he stressed that all of this don't signify that Liberia is now Ebola-free.

The Chinese official assured the Liberian government that "China will not be absent in the post-Ebola recovery endeavor of Liberia."

(For the latest China news, Please follow People's Daily on Twitter and Facebook)(Editor:Zhang Qian,Bianji)

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