The Chinese Center for Disease Control (CDC) team in Sierra Leone has launched a two day training programme for Councillors, Community and Religious leaders in three villages in the Western Rural District.

In his opening remarks, chairman Alhassan Cole of Western Rural District Council, said he was gratified that the Chinese Embassy gave heed to his call to come to help them fight the Ebola. He said the training is for three villages Jui, Grafton and Kossoh where he said the virus is still prevalent and they need to eradicate it within the shortest possible time.

“Few days ago, in a settlement called Sima Tong around Kossoh Town, we had 38 positive cases in which five have died. This is unacceptable and we must stop this virus now so that the country can return to development.”

Chairman Cole said he hopes the training will yield the required result and thanked the Chinese Ambassador and the CDC team for coming to their aid.

Deputy Foreign Affairs minister, Ebun Strasser-King said she was not surprised about what the Chinese has been doing as she has been part of all the help they have rendered to Sierra Leone. She said the Chinese are brothers to Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans will continue to be grateful for all what they have done for us during this time of crisis. She called on all the inhabitants and trainers to take this training very seriously so that the country can rid Ebola once and for all. “We want Ebola out of Sierra Leone and the time is now for us to win this. We have received all the support from the international community, but it is left with us to do the right thing by following the rules set by our Health officials, so that we can end the scourge within the shortest possible time.”

Ambassador Zhao Yanbo responding said China was the first to support Sierra Leone and they will not relent until the war is won. He said they have provided training for over 2,300 community and medical personnel already and they will continue to help the communities to win this war.