UAE sends tonnes of medical supplies to Somalia

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates sent tonnes of medical supplies to war-torn Somalia as part of its ongoing international humanitarian actions to help countries fight the coronavirus pandemic, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The UAE dispatched seven tonnes of medical supplies in addition to 20 tonnes from the World Health Organization to Somalia, which will help around 27,000 healthcare workers in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The UAE is committed to providing its full support to strengthen global efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Mohammed Ahmed Othman Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to Somalia.

“Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the UAE has sent emergency medical aid to a number of countries and has supported relevant international organisations, particularly the World Health Organisation, in delivering aid to countries in need,” said Hammadi.

The ambassador emphasised the UAE’s ability to transport urgently needed medical equipment and supplies to thousands of healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients thanks to its advanced air logistics.

The Gulf Arab state has sent several tonnes of medical aid to several countries that have been affected by the pandemic, such as Iran, Serbia and Syria, regardless of the political considerations.

UAE's minister of state for foreign affairs Anwar Gargash called last week for significant international cooperation to fight the pandemic.

“It is apparent that global public health security requires significant international cooperation & coordinated leadership - far more than has been the case & that the international community must be able to act decisively & jointly in this area,” tweeted Gargash.