UAE, WHO deliver air lift of critical medical supplies to Sudan

Baku, May 6, AZERTAC

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have delivered 30 tons of urgent medical supplies to Sudan, according of the official website of the organization.

A plane carrying supplies for injury treatment, emergency surgeries, and essential drugs arrived in 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 heath facilities prior to the escalation of conflict. These were exhausted after a few days given the number of injured.

The dispatch of the aircraft comes as part of the UAE's continuous relief efforts in support of the Sudanese people and reflects its deep relations with Sudan, particularly in light of the current situation the country is facing. The relief is also an extension of the UAE’s humanitarian vision and underscores its relations with other countries based on human fraternity and its commitment to assisting others during crises and emergency situations.

The health supplies include enough trauma, emergency surgical supplies, and essential medicines to immediately reach 165 000 people who are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Health facilities across the country report 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 emergency logisticians travelling with the cargo to ensure that these supplies are immediately distributed to 13 major health facilities to support healthcare workers and extend care to those in need.

Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director, of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said, “The WHO Global Logistics Hub in the UAE has become a centerpiece of rapid supply response to acute events globally. Supporting over 140 countries across all 6 WHO geographic regions, the hub provides a lifeline to Member States experiencing health emergencies arising from outbreaks of diseases, disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and the impact of conflict on health systems. The support provided by the UAE enables WHO to be at the forefront of these health emergency responses – delivering specialist medical aid to those in need wherever and whenever 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 greatest need.”