UAE provides aid to UN agencies tackling humanitarian crisis in Sudan
The agreement with WHO aims to fund vital health initiatives in Sudan to alleviate the harsh conditions facing its people.
On June 26, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed an agreement to provide $8 million to the World Health Organization (WHO), along with another $20 million agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The two agreements were signed at the headquarters of WHO and UNHCR in Geneva, Switzerland, by UAE Assistant Minister of State for International Development Affairs Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UNHCR Director of Donor Relations and Resource Mobilization Services Mark Manly.
The agreement with WHO aims to fund vital health initiatives in Sudan to alleviate the harsh conditions facing its people.
The aid is part of the UAE's broader commitment to global humanitarian relief and supports WHO's efforts to provide essential health care services in conflict-affected areas.
The grants will specifically target health care infrastructure, emergency response capabilities and disease prevention programs.
The agreement with UNHCR will also support improved shelter, health care and basic services for thousands of displaced people in both Sudan and South Sudan.
“WHO’s work in Sudan is saving lives every day and we believe it is essential to support this mission,” UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Nusseibeh said. “The UAE and WHO have a longstanding partnership that has benefited people in crisis situations across the region. We are committed to standing with the people of Sudan.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Ghebreyesus commented: “With the support of partners and donors, WHO will continue to support the urgent health needs of the people of Sudan and refugees in neighboring countries. We thank the UAE for this commitment. We must act together to protect the lives of the most vulnerable.”
Regarding the agreement with UNHCR, Ms Nusseibeh said: “Our commitment to humanitarian action is strengthened through strategic partnerships like this one with UNHCR. Together, we can make a significant impact on the ground in Sudan, bringing relief and hope to the most vulnerable. We remain steadfast in our stand with the Sudanese people during this crisis.”
“We look forward to working with other partners to ensure that the commitments made in Paris are implemented in practice,” she added.
The UAE’s contribution to WHO and UNHCR is part of a larger $70 million commitment to address urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, through UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. The agreement brings the UAE’s total assistance to Sudan over the past 10 years to more than $3.5 billion.