The airlift comes as aid agencies face increasing pressure from supply chain disruptions and funding constraints.
Dubai has airlifted 20 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies to support efforts to contain a new outbreak of an Ebola virus strain in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The shipment is intended to help frontline health workers rapidly detect, contain and respond to Ebola cases, while also ensuring their protection as they treat affected communities.
The shipment, sent by Dubai Humanitarian from the World Health Organization’s prepositioned stocks, departed from Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central and will be transported to the affected areas via Uganda.
The aid is expected to support hundreds of patients over a four-week period and assist around 280 healthcare facilities. It includes multipurpose tents, disinfectants, personal protective equipment, thermometers and other essential medical supplies required to strengthen outbreak response efforts.
The operation was carried out under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Giuseppe Saba said the organisation is supporting its members and the wider international humanitarian community in responding quickly to the crisis by facilitating the transport of life-saving aid.
He added that Dubai Humanitarian is prepared to continue operating the air bridge in collaboration with its members, with support from the Dubai Humanitarian Global Humanitarian Impact Fund and Dubai Royal Air Wing.
Saba said the humanitarian sector is under growing pressure due to global supply chain disruptions and rising funding challenges, and that Dubai Humanitarian will continue coordinating with partners, including the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, to ensure a sustainable response.
“Our priority is to ensure that essential medicines and relief supplies continue to reach the communities that need them most, while supporting health systems already under immense strain,” he said.
Dr Hanan Balkhy thanked Dubai Humanitarian and the UAE Government for their support in global health emergency response efforts.
“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,” she said.
Dubai Humanitarian previously supported UN agencies and international humanitarian organisations in delivering medical supplies and relief aid during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2016.
