The Government of the People's Republic of China Tuesday, November 25, 2014, dedicated a first class Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU), in Paynesville City, outside Monrovia, just a month after H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China announced that China would establish an ETU in Liberia to help fight the Ebola epidemic.

H. E. Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia, attending the dedication ceremony welcomed and thanked Madam Cui Li, Head of the Chinese delegation, Vice Minister of National Health and Family Planning Commission of People's Republic of China and her team from China for joining the dedication ceremony. President Johnson Sirleaf recalled that in the difficult days of July, August and September when Liberia was confronted with the unknown enemy (Ebola) as brave doctors and nurses  who without proper equipment tried to response but lost their lives while others got infected, resulting into some nurses and doctors' abandonment of health facilities that led to the deaths of many Liberians who died of both Ebola and other diseases.

The Liberian Leader stressed that when Liberia reached out to its partners ,  China was one of the first countries to respond by sending an aircraft which brought medical equipment and other Ebola materials that helped in the fight against Ebola. President Sirleaf continued that China also joined others in sending a team for the construction of ETU to enable Liberia have a place to send sick and Ebola patients.

"Today, we are here for this facility which is described as the first international relief effort, that is something exemplary  and for that we want to commend China for the exceptional response", stated the Liberian President.

President Johnson Sirleaf commended the military and medical team for their diligence and handwork in constructing the ETU. She emphasized that the construction of the ETU could not have been constructed without the endorsement and support of the Government, the President and Prime Minister of  China and the engagement of the Chinese Embassy near Monrovia.

President Sirleaf through Madam Cui Li, Head of the Chinese delegation conveyed to the President Xi  Jinping, the Prime Minister, the Government and People of the People's Republic of China thanks and appreciation for the partnership and friendship on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia..

"As I look at the quality of the construction and the quality service that will be rendered, we have not seen it as yet but as I just look around this look like a first class treatment center for our people, this is something commendable and exemplary  that we will always be grateful for. We look forward to the services that will be rendered and the team that will render these services and we look forward to the time this facility will be used for a purpose other than Ebola", President Johnson Sirleaf mentioned.

Speaking earlier at the ceremony, Madam Cui Li, Head of the Chinese delegation, Vice Minister of National Health and Family Planning Commission of People's Republic of China emphasized that the ETU was built and staffed entirely by the Chinese Government and  it will be run and managed independently.

Madam Li added that the ETU mirrors the long-lasting friendship between China and Africa, which have shared weal and woe over the past 50 years, and it also represents the implementation of China's Africa policy of "sincerity, Real Results, Affinity and Good faith" proposed by President Xi Jinping.

The head of the delegation on behalf of the Chinese Government extended sincere congratulations for the opening of the treatment center and also took the opportunity to express sincere gratitude to President Sirleaf,  and the Liberian Government, especially the Ministry of Health, as well as the UN Mission in Liberia, the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, and the American military staff for their support during the preparation and building of the ETU.

"I hope the center will get lasting support and help in its upcoming operation. Special thanks also go to China Chongqing International Construction Corporation, Qinghai Construction Group Corporation, Shangxi Construction Corporation and Chinese Engineering Contingent and Transportation Contingent deployed in Liberia by UNMIL, who overcame all kinds of difficulties to complete the construction of the Center in efficient manner", noted Madam Cui Li

Also speaking at the ceremony Mr. Ren Gouquan, Deputy Head of the Chinese delegation, Director-General of Health Department General Logistics Of PLA, stated that the first Chinese constructed Ebola Treatment Unit is the first international humanitarian relief project constructed, operated and managed by the Chinese PLA independently.

Mr. Gouguqan furthered that the inauguration of China 100 beds ETU is significant for promoting Liberia's capacity to fight against the Ebola outbreak, safeguarding the lives and health of the Liberian people and controlling the global spread of the Ebola Epidemic. The Deputy head of the Chinese delegation added that most of the materials and equipment used for the construction of the ETU were transported from China.