His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ordered to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the State of Somalia, to support efforts to combat the new Corona epidemic (Covid-19) there, in addition to lending a hand and helping those affected by the devastating floods That hit Somalia due to the recent heavy rains in East Africa.
The directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum come in quick response to the call of the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, where the International City for Humanitarian Services immediately launched a flight to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, with more than 35 tons on board. Among the medical equipment and humanitarian aid that would enhance Somalia's ability to tackle the Corona epidemic, as well as support relief and subsistence operations for the thousands of people affected by the floods, who were forced to abandon their homes due to the torrents, and then provide them with the necessary living essentials.
The head of the Supreme Committee for the Supervision of the International City for Humanitarian Services, Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani said: “We immediately worked to implement the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to ensure that the rapid response of the International City for Humanitarian Services is a realistic translation of His Highness’s vision to establish this city, to provide A supportive platform with highly efficient and reliable logistical capabilities, to host, facilitate and assist organizations, bodies and individuals working in the field of relief and serving the needy, so that they can work together as one influential force to improve the difficult conditions, which may be experienced by residents of different regions Of the world and alleviate their suffering ».
For his part, the representative of the World Health Organization in Dubai, Robert Blanchard, expressed his appreciation for the generous gesture of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which comes in the framework of His Highness’s constant commitment to the initiative to help all those in crisis, and affirming the UAE’s approach in providing Helping every needy person at all times, especially in times of crisis and disasters, stressing that His Highness provides the model and role model in supporting humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of people everywhere, noting the great positive impact of the continuous support that His Highness provides to the efforts of the World Health Organization, whether from During the direction of the flights It is for humanitarian and relief aid, as well as through the great services that the International City of Humanitarian Services provides to the entire humanitarian community.
“By sending more than 160 shipments to 100 countries, WHO continues to support health care workers on the front lines of Covid-19's response worldwide, by providing them with emergency supplies, including protection equipment,” added Blanchard. Personality and laboratory diagnosis.
For his part, the Executive Director of the International City for Humanitarian Services, Giuseppe Saba said: “Combining shipments destined to fight (Covid-19) and assisting flood-affected people in Somalia, proves the ability of the International City for Humanitarian Services to ensure preparedness to respond to major emergencies, which affect In large numbers of people, without ignoring other natural disasters or complex emergencies that may arise in this difficult period, ”he added,“ We are extremely proud to continue working with our global humanitarian community, centered here in Dubai, to assist all who need help and assistance. ».
Nadia Jabbour, Director of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the Emirates, expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for the continuous and generous support of his highness, with its great impact in enhancing the ability of the agency to respond effectively and provide immediate assistance For the affected population, through the support that you also find from the International Humanitarian City.
Jabour said: "UNHCR is proud of its strategic partnership with the International City for Humanitarian Services, and appreciates its great support for the efforts of UNHCR during the past years, to meet the humanitarian needs of refugees and displaced people around the world."
International Humanitarian City transports 35 tons of medical equipment and humanitarian aid to Mogadishu.