First batch of China-donated anti-flu goods arrives in Mexico

Source: Xinhua | 05-02-2009 08:35

MEXICO CITY, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A cargo plane ferrying the first load of China-donated relief supplies to help Mexico battle an outbreak of Influenza A/H1N1 landed at a Mexico City airport early Friday.

The humanitarian aid, including masks, latex gloves, isolation coats, disinfectant and infrared thermometers, was received in a ceremony attended by Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

The goods are part of a 5 million U.S. dollar assistance package that the Chinese government has offered Mexico to help it fight the A/H1N1 flu outbreak.

China's donation was the first massive arrival of material assistance that has reached Mexico since the flu outbreak began in April.

Calderon said at the ceremony that China's help was appreciated. He noted that sanitary security was not only an issue for Mexico but also for the entire world.

Calderon said the methods China used while fighting the 2003 outbreak of SARS -- severe acute respiratory syndrome -- should be learned by Mexico.

The president expressed confidence that Mexico will win the battle with the virus through the efforts of its citizens and outside aid.

Yin Hengmin, the Chinese ambassador to Mexico, said his countrymen feel for Mexico, and the government is ready to offer help of any kind.