Dubai’s International Humanitarian City today airlifted more aid to help emergency relief efforts in Beirut, with the approval of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

An Emirates SkyCargo plane left Dubai carrying 24.88 metric tons of medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks, goggles, gowns, coveralls, N95 respirators, stretchers and thermometers, which had been prepositioned within International Humanitarian City by the World Health Organization, valued at over USD 1.4 million.

Robert Blanchard from WHO’s logistics hub in Dubai said: “Based upon the needs identified by our medical staff in Lebanon, we are dispatching additional medical supplies that are critically needed to treat those impacted by the blast and simultaneously protect health care workers treating patients during the pandemic. Responding to an emergency within an emergency, WHO is grateful for the support received from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Government of the UAE, Dubai’s IHC and Emirates Sky Cargo to facilitate the rapid response to the people of Lebanon.”

Mr Giuseppe Saba, CEO of the International Humanitarian City highlighted the urgency of the aid, saying: “Due to the devastation caused by the deadly blasts in Beirut last week, with the death toll rising to at least 150 people and more than 5 thousand have been injured requiring the humanitarian community’s urgent assistance. This second flight to Lebanon demonstrates the capacity of the International Humanitarian City’s community in responding to emergencies and to help those most in need at such a challenging time”.