Dubai Humanitarian Airlifts Critical WHO Medical Supplies to Support Ebola Response in DR Congo
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian has facilitated the airlift of 20 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) prepositioned stocks to support efforts to combat a newly identified Ebola virus strain in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The humanitarian shipment departed from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and is being transported via Uganda to affected areas in the DRC. The aid is expected to support hundreds of patients over a four-week period and assist approximately 280 healthcare facilities involved in outbreak response efforts.
The cargo includes multipurpose tents, disinfectants, personal protective equipment (PPE), thermometers, and other essential medical supplies aimed at strengthening disease containment measures and supporting frontline healthcare workers.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, emphasized the importance of rapid humanitarian action in responding to emerging health crises.
“As Ebola cases continue to spread, Dubai Humanitarian is supporting its members and the international humanitarian community in responding swiftly to this crisis by facilitating the transport of life-saving aid. We stand ready to continue this air bridge in collaboration with our members, with support from Dubai Humanitarian’s Global Humanitarian Impact Fund and Dubai Royal Air Wing,” Saba said.
He added that the global humanitarian sector is facing mounting challenges due to disruptions in supply chains and increasing funding pressures. Dubai Humanitarian continues to work closely with its humanitarian partners and the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) to ensure essential medicines and relief supplies reach vulnerable communities while supporting strained healthcare systems.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, praised the partnership between Dubai Humanitarian and the UAE Government in advancing global health emergency responses.
“We are grateful to Dubai Humanitarian and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for their continued partnership in supporting health emergency response efforts around the world. At a time when the world is on heightened alert following the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, rapid action and international solidarity are essential,” Dr. Balkhy said.
She noted that the shipment demonstrates the value of strategic international partnerships in delivering urgent support where it is needed most.
“The supplies will help frontline health workers detect, contain and respond to Ebola cases quickly, while protecting themselves as they care for affected communities,” she added.
Dubai Humanitarian has played a significant role in global health emergencies in the past, notably serving as a key logistics hub for United Nations agencies and international humanitarian organizations during the West Africa Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016.
The latest mission underscores Dubai’s continued commitment to supporting international humanitarian efforts and strengthening global preparedness for health emergencies through rapid and coordinated action.
