The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Health Organization have today delivered 30 tons of urgent medical supplies to Sudan. A plane carrying supplies for treatment of injuries, emergency surgeries and essential medicines arrived at the Port Sudan airport early this morning.
The shipment, valued at US$444,000, is the first that WHO has been able to deliver by air to Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict. WHO distributed supplies to health facilities before the escalation of the conflict. These sold out after a few days given the number of wounded.
The dispatch of the aircraft is part of the UAE’s ongoing relief efforts in support of the Sudanese people and reflects its deep relations with Sudan, particularly in light of the current situation facing the country. The relief is also an extension of the UAE’s humanitarian vision and underscores its relations with other countries based on human brotherhood and its commitment to help others during crises and emergencies.
Dr. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the UAE “continues to work closely with the World Health Organization to ensure the successful deployment of critical logistics operations to deliver medical aid. and urgent food assistance to help address the current situation. In parallel with calls for all parties to the current conflict to immediately cease hostilities and de-escalate a situation that is causing untold suffering for the Sudanese people, the United Arab Emirates remains steadfast in its commitment to provide assistance. and assistance to countries in the UAE has a particular focus on caring for the most vulnerable groups affected by the situation in Sudan, especially the sick, children, the elderly and women most at risk from the ongoing conflict, and these flights relief efforts to directly address the most pressing gaps in food and medical supply The UAE’s deeply held humanitarian values have meant that it has made sure to continue to communicate to the world its strong and relentless dedication to strengthening peace, security and stability, not only regionally, but also around the world, while together with its partners and the international community, the country continues to help the Sudanese people in times of crisis.”
The health supplies include enough trauma, emergency surgical supplies and essential medicines to immediately reach 165,000 people in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Health centers across the country report that they have run out of basic health supplies and that national medical stores are no longer accessible due to the security situation. Among other support, WHO is deploying two cargo emergency logisticians to ensure these supplies are immediately distributed to 13 major health facilities to support health workers and extend care to those in need.
WHO has another 30 metric tons of supplies for malaria and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, conditions that can become fatal if left untreated. These and some 23,000 blood bags are being prepared at the WHO global logistics center in the International Humanitarian City, and WHO is currently exploring all possibilities to deliver these supplies to Sudan as quickly as possible in collaboration with the Ministry of Sudan Health.
Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said: “The WHO Global Logistics Center in the United Arab Emirates has become a centerpiece of rapid supply response to acute events to world level. Supporting more than 140 countries in the 6 WHO geographic regions, the center provides a lifeline to Member States experiencing health emergencies stemming from disease outbreaks, disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and the impact of conflict on systems of health. The support provided by the UAE allows WHO to be at the forefront of these health emergency responses, providing specialized medical help to those who need it where and when it is needed. As part of efforts to strengthen the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience, the UAE, WHO and partners are working hand in hand to deliver supplies to reach the world’s most vulnerable in their time of crisis. greater need”.
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said: “The World Health Organization continues to coordinate with the Sudanese health authorities to deliver essential health supplies through all avenues available. Due to the conflict, hospitals, pharmacies and primary health care centers have been left without essential life-saving medicines. The arrival of an additional 30 metric tons of supplies for trauma and emergency surgery, as well as essential medicines, will allow WHO to support 13 major health centers and restore health care services to those who need them. Our global logistics hub in Dubai plays a vital role in ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential health products and we are grateful for the support provided by the United Arab Emirates in facilitating our first charter flight of these desperately needed supplies. It is support like this that shows our regional vision of health for all, by all in action.”
Medical aid provided by the World Health Organization through the UAE accounted for approximately 55% of the total medical supplies provided to Sudan from abroad in 2022, reflecting the UAE’s position as a major hub for humanitarian assistance. international.
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