UAE sends 50 tonnes of food to Zimbabwe

The United Arab Emirates sent a plane carrying 50 tonnes of basic food to Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

The VAM news agency said the food will be distributed to thousands of families and vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly.

Dr Jasim Kasimi, UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said: “The delivery of food to the Republic of Zimbabwe reflects the strong relationship between our two countries and demonstrates the UAE’s role in supporting African countries and alleviating the humanitarian crisis they face. Humanitarian role.”

Mr Al Qasimi said Zimbabwe was one of the first countries to benefit from the medical assistance provided by the UAE in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 8,000 health care workers have benefited from the aid, which is helping them in their efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

food inflation

Rising prices and a rapid currency devaluation have pushed many Zimbabweans to the brink, reminiscent of the southern African nation facing a record 5 billion percent inflation in 2008.

After the Zimbabwe dollar was scrapped in 2009 to end hyperinflation, Reintroduced in February 2019However, the currency has lost more than three-quarters of its value this year as businesses and households tend to use the dollar to pay for everything from food to fuel, medicine and school fees.

With inflation jumping from 191% in June to 257% in July, one of the highest in the world, many Zimbabweans fear the country is returning to hyperinflation.

In its latest report on global food insecurity this month, the World Bank said Zimbabwe was one of them. Hardest hit by the global food inflation crisis. Second only to Lebanon, the southern African country has a nominal food inflation rate of 255%.

UAE provides AED 13 billion in aid

The recently released figures mark World Humanitarian Day reveals UAE provides Dh13bn foreign aid since the beginning of last year.

The largest recipients of aid are Yemenreceived AED 1.16 billion.

Sheikh Mohammed speaks to nation for first time since becoming president United Arab Emirates Will be a friend to those in need, providing support and humanitarian assistance “regardless of race or religion”.

In a speech last month, he said: “Go on Sheikh Zayed We will work to strengthen our role in major countries around the world by providing humanitarian assistance and continuing to reach out to communities in need around the world, regardless of religion or race. “

Updated: August 23, 2022 at 9:29 am