The Minister of Health of the People's Republic of China, Chen Zhu, on January 14, 2013 stated the readiness of China to assist Cameroon in the fight against malaria as well as strengthen health policies in order to attain the Millennium Development Goals.

The visiting Chinese cabinet minister spoke to journalists after discussions with Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang at the Star Building. The discussions took place in the presence of Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda, Chinese Ambassador to Cameroon, Wo Ruidi, the Prime Minister's close aides, among other top officials.

Mr. Chen Zhu disclosed that besides the provision of health infrastructure such as hospitals and equipment to Cameroon, China also plans to increase quality services offered by its medical teams to Cameroonians. Stating China's interest in the management of public health policies in Cameroon, he said the emergency is on fighting malaria so as to enhance maternal and child healthcare needs. Chen Zhu announced that he was to hand over the Chinese government's assistance of a series of medical equipment to the Gynecological, Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital in Ngousso, Yaounde. "We hope the support will benefit Cameroonian people towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals", he said. Concerning other health institutions, he said his country was examining possibilities of extending assistance to the Gynaecological, Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital under construction in Douala.

Cameroon and China established diplomatic relations on March 26, 1971. Cooperation in the health sector has been one of the key pillars of Sino-Cameroon bilateral ties. Ongoing discussions during the current visit of the Chinese Health Minister, Chen Zhu, will further consolidate the relations.