WHO official lauds China's emergency aid to Sierra Leone

Jacob Mufunda, a representative to Sierra Leone of World Health Organization (WHO) (4th R) talks to Chinese medical workers in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, Aug. 13, 2014. World Health Organization officials meet with Chinese medical workers on Wednesday and applauded China's emergency material assistance to Sierra Leone, where more than 300 people have died of the dreaded Ebola virus. (Xinhua/Lin Xiaowei)

A World Health Organization (WHO) official on Wednesday applauded China's emergency material assistance to Sierra Leone, where more than 300 people have died of the dreaded Ebola virus.

Jacob Mufunda, who has worked in Sierra Leone, made the comment while meeting with Chinese medical workers who are currently working with the country's medical staff to tame the deadly Ebola virus.

China has sent three expert teams and medical supplies to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to assist in the prevention and control of the Ebola virus, with each medical team composed of one epidemiologist and two specialists in disinfection and protection.

In addition, China has also provided relief worth 30 million yuan (4.9 million U.S. dollars) to the three countries.

Mufunda said China's assistance will help ease the shortage of medical equipment in the country, adding that China's emergency aid is "timely and efficient."

The official noted the country is in dire need of medical staff and supplies to curb the spread of the disease.

WHO said Ebola has claimed over 1,000 lives in west African countries since earlier this year.