Jack Ma Foundation delivers medical supplies to Africa to aid coronavirus pandemic

The Jack Ma Foundation has delivered part of its promised assistance of medical supplies to Africa to assist the continent to combat COVID-19.

The foundation is owned by Chinese businessman Jack Ma, the founder of the Alibaba Group.

It comprises of test kits, masks and medical protective gear for the continent.

So far, 41 of the 54 states in Africa have reported positive cases of COVID-19. 5.4 million face masks, kits for over 1 million diagnostic tests 40 000, protective clothing and 60 000 sets of protective face shields arrived at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on Sunday morning  from China.

The packages were labelled with a quote from Nelson Mandela. The World Food Programme has offered to assist in logistics and distribution because of its vast experience.

South Africa, like other countries in Africa, will receive a total of 20 000 test kits, 100 000 medical masks and 1000 protective suits and face shields.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control says this donation will greatly bridge the shortage of medical supplies the continent is suffering from as it strives to combat COVID-19.

The remaining shipment of medical supplies are expected to reach Addis Ababa and be distributed to more African nations over the next few weeks.

More than 6 million medical supplies donated by @foundation_ma and Alibaba Foundation have just arrived in Ethiopia and will make their way across Africa to communities impacted by Covid-19. Read more here: https://t.co/wFTZxr9CSU pic.twitter.com/YFupRkaOsd

— Alibaba Group (@AlibabaGroup) March 22, 2020