In order to commend female role models and unite and guide women to participate in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) recently gave posthumous awards to three women who sacrificed their lives in the fight against the COVID-19. They were awarded the honorary title of the National March 8th Red-banner Holder for their selfless work and contributions to curbing the epidemic outbreak.

Xu Hui was formerly vice-president of the Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing City, East China's Jiangsu Province. Xu served as deputy director of the hospital's command unit for prevention and control of the COVID-19. She died at her working post unexpectedly on February 7 due to sudden illness after working continuously for 18 days on the frontline of the battle against the epidemic.

With nearly 30 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, Xu treated patients with great patience and superb medical skills. 

She set an example and fulfilled her duties diligently in the COVID-19 prevention and control efforts. 

Huang Heyan was formerly an official of the Community Comprehensive Service Center of Yunwu Town in Southwest China's Guizhou Province, a member of the work team for realizing moderate prosperity in the town's Yingshang Village, and part-time vice-president of the women's federation of Yunwu Town. 

Huang had been engaged in grassroots work in the village, serving people wholeheartedly and making contributions to the poverty-alleviation work. Since the start of the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, she worked on the frontline of epidemic prevention and control, conducting screening in the village and publicizing epidemic prevention information. Huang died on February 2 due to sudden illness.

Jiang Na was formerly the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Qianqihao Town in Songyuan City, Northeast China's Jilin Province, and president of the town's women's federation. 

Working at the grassroots level for 19 years, Jiang was dedicated to her work, leading villagers to shake off poverty and become rich. She also helped improve the environment of the town. 

Fighting to curb the spread of the COVID-19 on the frontline, Jiang worked hard in carrying out screening, gathering information, and mobilize grassroots officials to promote epidemic prevention information from door to door. On February 4, she was killed in a car accident on her way to inspect epidemic prevention work and distribute medicine in Dasanhao Village of the town.

The three women are representatives of countless outstanding women on the frontline of the COVID-19 prevention and control efforts. Putting people's lives first, fulfilling their duties, and shouldering heavy work burdens, they were role models for women across the country.

(Women of China)