UAE, WHO airlift critical medical supplies to Sudan

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Health Organization sent 30 tons of emergency medical supplies to Sudan today. A plane carrying medical treatment for the wounded, emergency surgical supplies and basic medicines arrived at Port Sudan Airport early this morning.

The $444,000 shipment is the first shipment WHO has been able to airlift to Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict. WHO distributed supplies to health facilities before the conflict escalated. Given the number of injuries, the men were exhausted after a few days.

The dispatch of the aircraft is part of the UAE’s ongoing relief efforts to support the people of Sudan and reflects the deep relationship between the UAE and Sudan, especially in light of the current situation facing the country. Relief is also an extension of the UAE’s humanitarian vision and underscores its relationship with other nations based on human fraternity and its commitment to helping others in times of crisis and emergency.

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 logistical operations, sending emergency medical and food aid to help address the current Sudanese crisis.” While the immediate cessation of hostilities and the de-escalation of the situation causing untold suffering to the Sudanese people, the UAE is firmly committed to providing aid and assistance to the Sudanese nation when needed. The UAE pays particular attention to helping the most vulnerable groups affected by the situation in Sudan , especially the sick, children, elderly and women who are most at risk in the ongoing conflict – these relief flights will directly address the most pressing gaps in medical and food supplies. The UAE’s deep-rooted humanitarian values ​​mean it ensures continued Conveying to the world its unwavering commitment to enhancing peace, security and stability, not only in the region but globally, and with partners and the international community, the country continues to help the Sudanese people in times of crisis.”

Medical supplies include enough trauma supplies, emergency surgical supplies and essential medicines to reach 165,000 people in dire need of humanitarian assistance immediately. Health agencies across the country are reporting that they have run out of essential hygiene supplies and that national medical stores are no longer available due to the security situation. Among other support, WHO is deploying two emergency logisticians to accompany the cargo to ensure its immediate distribution to 13 key health facilities to support healthcare workers and provide care to those in need.

WHO also has 30 metric tons of supplies to treat malaria and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which can be fatal if left untreated. These blood bags, and approximately 23,000 blood bags, are being prepared at the WHO Global Logistics Center in International Humanitarian City, and WHO is currently working with the Sudanese Ministry of Health to explore all possibilities for the delivery of these supplies to Sudan as soon as possible.

Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, said: “WHO’s Global Logistics Center in the UAE has become the heart of the rapid supply response to emergencies around the world. Support provided by the UAE to provide lifelines to Member States facing health emergencies due to disease outbreaks, disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and the impact of conflict on health systems. Support from the UAE has enabled WHO to stand at the forefront of these health emergency responses Forefront – Providing professional medical assistance to those in need, anytime, anywhere.As part of efforts to strengthen the global health emergency preparedness, response and resilience architecture, the UAE, WHO and partners are working together to help people most in need in the world supplies in the hands of the most vulnerable.”

Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said: “WHO continues to coordinate with the Sudanese health authorities to provide essential health supplies through all available means. Hospitals, pharmacies and primary health care facilities have been left without essential life-saving supplies due to the conflict. Medicines. The arrival of another 30 metric tons of trauma and emergency surgical supplies and essential medicines will enable WHO to support 13 major health facilities and rebuild health care services for those in need. Our global logistics center in Dubai is ensuring uninterrupted The supply of health commodities plays a vital role and we are grateful for the support provided by the United Arab Emirates to facilitate our first chartered flight of these much-needed supplies. It is this support that puts our region’s vision of Health for All in action .”

The medical assistance provided by the World Health Organization through the UAE accounts for about 55% of the total medical supplies provided from abroad to Sudan in 2022, reflecting the UAE’s status as a major hub for international humanitarian assistance.