First Lady Margaret Kenyatta thanked Chinese First Lady Prof Peng Liyuan for donating medical supplies to assist in Kenya's fight against COVID-19.

The donation is part of the Chinese Government's consignment of the coronavirus medical supplies delivered to African countries to help in slowing down the spread of virus through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), which First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is a member.

The First Lady said the donation will go a long way in supporting her efforts in safeguarding women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups from the disease.

Beyond Zero's Coordinator Ms. Angella Langat on Wednesday received the Chinese donation that comprised 18,000 surgical masks and 120 infrared forehead thermometers at the organization's offices in Nairobi on behalf of First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Ms. Langat said the supplies will help ensure the safety of health workers in the Beyond Zero COVID-19 intervention.

"Kindly convey our warmest and sincere gratitude from Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta to Her Excellency Professor Peng Liyuan for this kind gesture," Ms. Langat told Mr. Zhao Xiyuan, the Charge D'Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China who presented the donation on behalf of the Chinese First Lady.

The Beyond Zero Coordinator pointed out that the donation is a demonstration of China's friendship with Kenya, and continued collaboration through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).

"The partnership and collaboration between OAFLAD and the Chinese Government in areas that concern our continent extends beyond today," Ms. Langat said.

She acknowledged that support from the Chinese Government for Beyond Zero through donations of medical supplies in the past has augmented the impact of Beyond Zero's work in supporting women, children and vulnerable communities.

On his part, the Charge D'Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China said the donation reflects First Lady Peng's care for the health and development of Kenyan women and children as well as the friendship between China and Kenya.

"In the face of COVID-19, China and Kenya have offered mutual support and fought shoulder to shoulder with each other. China shall always remember the invaluable support Kenya gave us at the height of our battle with the Coronavirus."

"In return, when Kenya was struck by the virus, China was the first to rush in with assistance and has since stood firm with the Kenyan people," Mr. Zhao said.

He expressed optimism that through Beyond Zero the donated medical supplies will play a positive role in helping Kenyan women, children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups in the fight against the pandemic.

"To express the friendly feeling of the Chinese people towards the African people, the Chinese government is donating a batch of anti-pandemic supplies through OAFLAD to 53 African countries to help women, children and adolescents," Mr. Zhao said.

(With input from Kenyan Presidency)