Japan Ambulances to Work in Ebola-Hit W. Africa

Narita, Chiba Pref., Oct. 28 (Jiji Press)--Retired emergency vehicles such as ambulances donated by local Japanese governments got ready Tuesday for their new mission--helping two Ebola-hit West African countries fight the deadly disease. Ahead of the 13 vehicles' departure from Narita International Airport for Liberia and Sierra Leone on Wednesday night, a delivery ceremony was held at the airport near Tokyo. The five ambulances and eight command vehicles were provided by the fire departments of 10 prefectures, including Tokyo, Tochigi, Aichi and Shimane, to the Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy, which has been donating used emergency vehicles to developing countries. The association will airlift the vehicles to the two African nations as Japan's official development assistance, in response to requests from the countries. Attending the ceremony, Liberian Ambassador to Japan Youngor Telewoda expressed her appreciation for Japan's support, saying emergency vehicles are indispensable to transporting Ebola victims to medical institutions. Liberia will definitely overcome the disaster, she stressed. On a chartered cargo plane, the vehicles are scheduled to arrive in the two countries on Thursday. END