The Silk Road philanthropy fund has been established for two years: its humanitarian footprint covers 23 countries along the "the Belt and Road"
May 2nd, 2022

Introduction: in 2017, the Silk Road philanthropy fund of the Red Cross Foundation of China was established to assist people with urgent humanitarian needs in countries and regions along the “the Belt and Road”. Since its establishment more than two years ago, the fund has covered 23 countries along the “the Belt and Road”, including both traditional recipient countries such as Pakistan and hard to access armed conflict areas such as Syria and Afghanistan. We know each other far and near, and thousands of miles are still neighbors. In the view of sun Shuo Peng, executive vice president and Secretary General of the Red Cross Foundation of China, he went through trials and hardships and worked hard just to give a glimmer of hope to his life.

Sina commonweal: what projects does the Silk Road fraternity fund currently carry out?

Sun Shupeng: we have carried out four major projects. The first project is the emergency rescue corridor; The second project is the “the Belt and Road” humanitarian relief program. We have carried out screening and treatment of children with congenital heart disease in Afghanistan, screening and treatment of children with congenital heart disease in Mongolia, and assistance to Bangladesh kidney dialysis and hemodialysis center; The third category is overseas fraternity homes, which mainly go deep into the community to carry out projects such as health, disaster reduction and poverty alleviation and livelihood development; The fourth project is a project that I think has a sense of the times: fraternity cycling project. We want to distribute bicycles free of charge to Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers around the world, advocate their green travel, and provide convenience for their last mile of volunteer service.

Sina commonweal: what achievements have been made in the “China Pakistan emergency corridor” project?

Sun shuopung: together with Pakistan Red Crescent society, we set up ERU first aid unit along the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is composed of first aid station, ambulance, first aid personnel and information system to form a supply belt of emergency rescue and public services along the economic corridor.

After the construction of the red first aid center in Gwadar Port, it has become the first name card of the most difficult medical center in Gwadar Port.

Local people said that if we dare to get sick, they will realize that China’s livelihood projects are real. This kind of people to people connection, I feel very deep.

Sina commonweal: what was the most impressive experience in the implementation of the Silk Road fraternity fund?

Sun Shupeng: we are prepared to go to Afghanistan, but when we look on the street, according to our two colleagues, “an exposition of weapons”.

The next day we started screening. When screening, we brought a color Doppler ultrasound, because it was not easy for us to go, and the color Doppler ultrasound must be carried with us. The doctor who did the color Doppler ultrasound was Cai Qizhe. The female doctors wrapped their heads. She was the only one doing the color Doppler ultrasound. One day after she finished it, she threw up and completely collapsed. First of all, she had never seen the situation of the child. It took too long. The child still smiled and smiled at us. However, when the color Doppler ultrasound probe was placed in his heart, Dr. CAI was frightened and told me it was full of holes.

The doctor quarreled with me, saying that none of these children can be brought back, and they are also dead. If we die, we can’t bear the responsibility. Because I didn’t study medicine, I called President Chen Zhu. President Chen said a word to me and I knew what to do. President Chen said give the children a chance! What if the child has an accident? I have to sign an agreement with the Afghan Red Crescent society. When signing this agreement, my hands are shaking. I especially don’t want to transport half of the small coffins back.

After signing, when we went to the airport, there was a huge explosion on the airport road, a bank exploded, a car of children and their families. We have to go through this road. Those children, their mothers are wrapped in faces. I can’t see their eyes, but I see their hands shaking. I know their maternal love is the same.

After the children got on the plane, I thought these children would survive after so many ditches and ridges! The children of this flight arrived in Xinjiang, where the best doctors in China gathered. Mr. Liu Jinfen, the “one hand” of the pediatric cardiology department, prepared two presbyopic glasses for surgery in person. Director Zhang Haibo entered the operating table for surgery as soon as he flew to Xinjiang, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 7 hours.

All 21 children survived except those who couldn’t have surgery. The second time I saw these children again, I felt they were too lucky, but the children we didn’t take away were too unfortunate, but we couldn’t take them away.

Saving every child is a life. Although the language is different and the religious customs are different, I think the communication between people is very easy. Finally, they said in the hospital, tell me how to write the two words “China”, and then write them one by one. After writing, I think China’s concept of them is particularly warm and real.

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