The secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has thanked China for its quick response to an emergency appeal from Ebola-affected African countries and the World Health Organization and for its assistance in epidemic prevention, especially as shown by the Chinese medical staff in their commitment and dedication.

China’s permanent representative to the UN, Liu Jieyi, received a letter from Ban saying that China’s assistance has helped "mitigate the wider social and economic effects".

The following is the full text of Ban’s letter to Liu:

28 January 2015

Excellency,

I would like to thank you for your letter of 12 January 2015, in which you shared information about the important work being done by the People’s Republic of China to combat Ebola in Africa.

I wish to acknowledge with thanks the speed and breadth of the reponse of China. It is particularly noteworthy that China moved so quickly to respond to the emergency appeal of African leaders and the World Health Organization.

The financial, human and physical investments that you have described directly address the most crucial needs. I note, in particular, the considerable contribution of 400 Chinese health workers who are on the ground to alleviate the suffering of the population. This approach to providing combined support, targeting the needs of vulnerable populations in the countries most affected by this crisis will help reduce the human cost and mitigate the wider social and economic effects.

Your expressin of solidarity ahd commitment to further support the affected countries comes at a vital moment. In this regard, I look forward to sharing some preliminary observations on a recovery assessment at the forthcoming African Union Summit on 31 January 2015. That exercise has been under way in the affected countries. I hope to count on a continuation of your country’s extraordinary support to help address the agreed priorities that emerge from the assessment.

In closing, let me thank you once again for the indispensable work of the Government of China to strengthen international cooperation at global and regional levels.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Ban Ki-moon

His Excellency Mr. Liu Jieyi

Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations

New York