by Raheela Nazir
ISLAMABAD, April 8 (Xinhua) -- China's responses to COVID-19 in terms of providing timely information of the novel coronavirus and international assistance have greatly helped the world to combat the major public health emergency, said Pakistani former ambassador and political analyst Mohammad Aqil Nadeem.
"It is absolutely impressive given the fact that soon after containing it at home, China immediately set about to help the world by providing medical supplies, sending medical experts and sharing its research about the virus with many countries struggling with the pandemic," Nadeem, former ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
China is manufacturing necessary medical equipment to fight the pandemic and providing it to the rest of the world as well. As a responsible member of the world community, China is playing a leading role in this regard, he said.
"The World Health Organization has also lavishly praised Chinese efforts in this endeavor by offering anti-epidemic support globally," he said.
When the epidemic broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the country immediately realized the gravity of the situation and took all possible measures to contain the pandemic, Nadeem said, adding that the Chinese government was not afraid of making difficult decisions, which played a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19.
"China introduced an ambitious roadmap for fighting the coronavirus. China's responses included free and accessible coronavirus testing with an emphasis on quick and urgent reaction, building of hospitals, quarantine, reduction of non-essential transport and following-up on all domestic cases in the country," the former ambassador said.
Talking about the latest technology available in the country, Nadeem said China used big data and information technology to track and halt the spread of the virus, mitigating the impact of the pandemic. "The world needs to learn from the Chinese experience and should consider taking similar measures to contain it."
Besides providing a model for best practices, China has also extended much-needed succor to other countries especially developing countries like Pakistan.
"Pakistan has been provided with tons of medical supplies and technical expertise to combat the pandemic. A team of Chinese doctors is also in Pakistan to share their experience with Pakistani counterparts to fight the virus," he said.
"This timely help would enable Pakistan's health facilities to effectively work to combat the global menace."
