Ivana Todorovic, a Bosnian postgraduate student at Tsinghua University, has joined the university’s many international students, scholars and alumni who are trying all possible means to raise funds and medical supplies in a bid to support China in the fight against the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivana began pursuing her International Master of Public Health degree at Tsinghua’s School of Medicine in September 2019. She stayed in Beijing for the winter holiday to experience Chinese culture when her first semester ended in January.

As the epidemic spread, Ivana had great sympathy for the Chinese people and began trying to use her international resources in health care to raise medical supplies.

"Actually, this is not easy," said Ivana. "Global medical supplies are becoming scarce and it is difficult to find reliable factories and suppliers."

Previously a teacher at the Medical High School in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivana managed to contact the university of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina which then donated a batch of masks to the Tsinghua students currently on campus.

In addition, Ivana also participated in activities organized by the Graduate Association of Tsinghua University to support China’s battle against the epidemic.

"At first, I paid attention to the epidemic because it was closely related to my field of expertise," Ivana said. "But as I learned more about it, I wished I could take action rather than just observe it from a professional perspective."

Ivana is still actively seeking more international assistance for China. "I hope China will soon overcome the virus and go back to its normal life."

Writer： Li Han