Chinese teams go to Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia

China has sent three teams of experts to Ebola-affected West African countries to help fight the deadly virus.

It is the first time Beijing has offered overseas assistance in response to a public health emergency.

Li Qun, emergency response chief at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said the move will help with China's own Ebola response.

"Our experts' communication with local frontline medics for Ebola control and treatment will help with our response to the virus at both clinical and future research sites," he said, adding that China has never had an Ebola outbreak or used the virus strain for research purposes.

The teams left on Sunday night and will travel to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

A statement issued by the National Health and Family Planning Commission on Sunday said each team comprises an epidemiologist and two specialists in disinfection and protection. Team members are from the China disease control center and other institutions.