Dubai Humanitarian Hub Praised by WHO for Crisis Relief Efforts in Gaza, Sudan, and Turkey
The Dubai Humanitarian relief response depot has garnered significant praise from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its exceptional role in delivering critical aid during humanitarian emergencies in Gaza, Sudan, and Turkey. This acknowledgment comes from Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, following her visit to the centre.
Dubai Humanitarian’s Vital Role in Global Crises
Dr. Balkhy’s visit highlighted the pivotal role played by Dubai Humanitarian in addressing some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. The organisation’s effective and timely distribution of aid has been instrumental in supporting affected populations in Gaza and Sudan. The depot has also been crucial in providing relief to survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
“The resources and support provided here have been instrumental in delivering timely aid to those in need,” said Dr. Balkhy. “This collaboration is a model of how strategic partnerships can drive impactful health interventions, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes in the most challenging circumstances.”
Strengthening Partnerships for Impactful Health Interventions
Dr. Balkhy emphasized the significance of the collaboration between WHO and Dubai Humanitarian, stating, “WHO’s partnership with Dubai Humanitarian exemplifies the strength of collective action in addressing regional and global health emergencies.” This recognition underscores the importance of cooperative efforts in tackling complex humanitarian challenges and highlights the effective impact of the partnership.
Dubai Humanitarian’s Strategic Aid Efforts
Dubai Humanitarian has been actively involved in organizing and facilitating aid shipments to crisis-stricken areas. Specifically, the centre has coordinated 17 air shipments to Gaza through Al Arish in Egypt, delivering more than 1,400 tonnes of aid. This aid is sourced from the extensive stocks of UN organizations hosted at the centre, showcasing the hub’s significant logistical capabilities.
Giuseppe Saba, the Chief Executive and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, expressed pride in the organisation’s role in supporting the WHO’s mission. He remarked, “We are proud to support WHO in its vital mission to deliver health services during emergencies. Our partnership has enabled the rapid deployment of aid and resources to areas in desperate need.”
Saba also highlighted the enduring nature of the collaboration, citing its successes in various crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. “Our collaboration with the World Health Organisation is long-standing, as seen through the Humanitarian Logistics Databank, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Sudan. This partnership demonstrates the power and importance of working together to make humanitarian efforts more efficient and sustainable,” he added.
Recent Developments and Continued Efforts
In recent updates, it was reported that a total of 1,000 lorries loaded with humanitarian aid, dispatched by the UAE, have entered Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing since November. These lorries were part of 100 aid convoys carrying more than 20,000 tonnes of essential supplies, under the UAE’s aid mission for Gaza, named Gallant Knight 3. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to providing substantial humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
The Dubai Humanitarian depot, which rebranded from International Humanitarian City in April, continues to play a crucial role in global humanitarian relief efforts. Its ongoing contributions are vital in addressing urgent needs and supporting affected communities around the world.