Yunnan medics leave Myanmar after aid in COVID-19 fight

12 Yunnan medical experts left Myanmar on Wednesday after providing two-week medical assistance to local medical workers in their battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sent by the Chinese government, the Yunnan medics arrived in Myanmar's Yangon on April 8, together with medical supplies donated by the province, including testing kits, masks and protective suits.

During the past two weeks, the Yunnan medical team shared their experience to their counterparts in Myanmar on COVID-19 prevention, while providing suggestions on diagnosis, treatment and medical staff training. 

Carrying out assistance in the cities of Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw, the Yunnan medics also helped in the fields of laboratory, traditional medicine and public health control relating to the fight against COVID-19, based on the team's frontline experiences in China.

In particular, the Yunnan medics and their counterparts exchanged views at the isolation ward of North Okkalapa General Hospital in Yangon. During a video conference, they told prevention measures to the representatives of overseas Chinese and students as well as China-invested enterprises.

"Advices and guidelines given by the Chinese team are pragmatic and very helpful. We appreciate the team for your contribution and help through challenges during your stay here," said Dr. Myint Htwe, Union Minister for Health and Sports. 

So far, Myanmar has reported 121 COVID-19 confirmed cases with five deaths, with the first case detected on March 23.

Source: Lancang-Mekong party, Xinhua and others; trans-editing by Wang Shixue