Brave Hearts
China Africa (English)|March 2020
Individuals show commitment and courage in the fight against the deadly coronavirus epidemic
Hu Fan, Ge Lijun & Li Qing
Brave Hearts

China’s battle with COVID-19 epidemic has seen dedicated individuals stand up and be counted at critical moments, often endangering their own lives. ChinAfrica features four of these people on the frontlines of the epidemic, who fly under the radar, yet do extraordinary things.

Calm Presence

Top respiratory expert reassures the public with professionalism during the novel coronavirus epidemic

On January 18, 84-year-old respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan took a train to Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, as confirmed cases of a disease caused by the novel coronavirus kept mounting in the city amid public concern about the nature and scale of the outbreak. The Spring Festival traffic rush had begun at the time and Zhong managed to get a seat in the dining car of the packed train.

A picture of him taking a nap in his seat went viral across China’s social media and news of Zhong traveling to Wuhan in his expert capacity brought a sense of assurance to the public, with many saying that a solution was assured with his involvement.

Zhong made a name for himself 17 years ago in another similar emergency against the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an epidemic that started in South China’s Guangdong Province and eventually claimed over 900 lives worldwide, including those of many medical practitioners. While doctors in many hospitals feared the very contagious and deadly disease, he demanded that patients in critical condition be sent to his team in a Guangzhou hospital.

During that fight against SARS, he formed China’s first medical expert team and built the first isolation ward for the disease. He led the draft of China’s first clinical standard for the disease and was the first to call for national and worldwide collaboration.

His team created a record by working for 193 consecutive days, treating 302 SARS patients.

This story is from the March 2020 edition of China Africa (English).

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2020 edition of China Africa (English).

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CHINA AFRICA (ENGLISH)View All
Preserving a Source of Life
China Africa (English)

Preserving a Source of Life

Zambia takes measures to protect water resources and ensure ecological progress

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2021
Should We Stop The Trend of ‘Feminization'?
China Africa (English)

Should We Stop The Trend of ‘Feminization'?

In traditional Chinese thinking, women are supposed to be gentle and soft and men masculine. In recent years, however, the popularity of young male film and TV stars who appear to be “feminine” in their dressing, hair style and even mindset and their impact on the youth has led some to believe that the Chinese boys are not “masculine” enough.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2021
Green Renaissance
China Africa (English)

Green Renaissance

China adopts comprehensive measures to protect Yangtze River environment

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2021
Building an Immune Barrier
China Africa (English)

Building an Immune Barrier

Chinese vaccines help the global fight against COVID-19 pandemic

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2021
A Promising Change
China Africa (English)

A Promising Change

As first female and African head of the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is enjoined to advance the prospects of common development

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2021
Service Before Celebration
China Africa (English)

Service Before Celebration

A doctor’s contribution to normalization of life

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2021
Delivering Happiness
China Africa (English)

Delivering Happiness

Deliveryman continues to work during the holiday to meet the needs of customers

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2021
Skiing Upsurge
China Africa (English)

Skiing Upsurge

Olympic winter games spur growth of snow economy in Beijing suburbs

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2021
An Unbreakable Bond
China Africa (English)

An Unbreakable Bond

Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria talks about bilateral ties

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2021
A Different Celebration
China Africa (English)

A Different Celebration

Chinese people respond to the call to spend the Spring Festival holiday in situ

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2021