Photo/Xinhua

Mar. 18 (NBD) -- Seven days ago, a group of Chinese medical experts, together with 31 tons of medical materials, arrived in Rome, Italy to help fight the novel coronavirus epidemic.

As long as they landed in the country, they began visiting patients, sharing the first-hand experience with local experts, and popularizing knowledge about the virus. As one of the Chinese medical experts, Tang Menglin kept diaries of what they have done there. She is the head nurse of Children's ICU of West China Hospital, Sichuan University.

In the next few days, the Chinese medical team will head for northern Italy where is hard-hit by the virus. 

The following is one of the diaries wrote by Tang on March 17. 

Today, a friend of mine sent me a very touching picture, which is drawn by an Italian girl to express her gratitude for "those coming from China to aid Italy". 

The picture, featuring an Italian nurse and a Chinese doctor, delivers the heartfelt thanks and displays the deep bond between the two nations. 

It also reminds me of the support that Italian medical experts gave us after the devastating earthquake hit Sichuan Province,China in 2008. As a Sichuan native, it is fortunate that we can do our part when Italy is in need of help. 

As for myself, I didn't have a single moment of hesitation while jumping on the plane and flying to Italy to spread the first-hand experience in battling the novel coronavirus. I believe we will come through the tough challenge together just as what the picture says. 

Also on the same day, one of my colleague's daughter drew a picture for me entitled "We Are Together". Yes, we are together, we fight together. 

Email: lansuying@nbd.com.cn