With the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak spreading across China from its epicenter in Wuhan, Hubei province, prevention work has entered a critical period.

People from all walks of life have united to help contain the deadly disease.

[IMAGE: THE INSTITUTE OF HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES]

Meanwhile, foreigners are also contributing to the fight against the SARS-CoV-2, through financial donations.

Munawar Iqbal is a Pakistani scientist who conducts accelerator research at the Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences with the sponsorship of CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI).

Though he is the only breadwinner in his three-member family, he donated 2,000 yuan ($285.56) to the Red Cross of Hubei province to assist in epidemic prevention and control in the province.

His 9-year-old daughter Zoha Munawar also expressed her best wishes to people in epidemic-stricken areas and her support to the Chinese people in winning the anti-virus fight, through a video clip.

The clip has been publicized by the Yangshipin, a new media app created by China Media Group.

We interviewed Doctor Iqbal online about his donation.

Reporter: Why did you want to donate?

Dr. Iqbal: It is really a little support. I feel it is my moral duty to help the people of Wuhan in this hour of difficulty.

Reporter: Regarding the current situation, China is still facing grave and unimaginable difficulties. Have you planned to leave China with your family members due to health and safety considerations?

Dr. Iqbal: Not at all. China is a safe and secure country. Myself and my family are very safe here. The Chinese government is taking excellent measures to control the disease —measures which are unprecedented and could not be taken by any other government in the world. Just look at the miracle of building two specialized hospitals in 10 days in Hubei to control the disease. China will overcome this disease in a couple of weeks. We have to stand strong and provide moral help to China.

Reporter: Have there been any similar public health issues in your country? How did your government deal with it?

Dr. Iqbal: In Pakistan, we have had no problem like this. But we have no capability and capacity to deal with this kind of epidemic like China does.

Reporter: What do you want to tell other foreigners in China?

Dr. Iqbal: I want to tell foreigners in China and abroad to please believe in the capabilities of China. Do not discriminate against Chinese people. The Chinese are great and very loving. They only need love and moral support during this difficult time — which is going to come to an end very soon.

A mountain separates China and Pakistan, but people in the two countries have forged a brotherly friendship. China and Pakistan have shared weal and woe and stuck together through thick and thin, with disasters like the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008 and the floods in Pakistan in 2010. With the efforts and support of people of all ethnic groups in China and all countries in the world, China will surely win the battle against the epidemic.

Source: The Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences