UAE provides support to contain Ebola outbreak
Abu Dhabi, June 17
Under the directives of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has provided support to bolster the World Health Organisation's efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Africa. It was done via the UAE Aid Agency.
Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, affirmed the UAE's commitment to providing urgent relief to mitigate the impact of crises and disasters as part of its humanitarian mission and global responsibility. "The UAE is determined to extend its support in combating diseases and epidemics that threaten humanity anywhere, in coordination with governments, international organizations, and relevant regional institutions," he explained.
He added, "Reports and data from the World Health Organization have demonstrated the seriousness of the active spread of Bundibugyo cross-border Ebola virus strain. This necessitates a doubling of international efforts to prevent its transmission among different age groups in Africa, a goal the UAE is working on in partnership with various governments and UN organizations."
Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan has also noted that the UAE continues its multifaceted health support and assistance to affected communities by providing medical aid, supplying approved vaccines and necessary medications, and working with international and local organizations to provide the best possible healthcare at designated treatment centres.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, recently warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remained out of control. He pointed to several challenges, including the difficulty of isolating and monitoring contacts of infected individuals and emphasized the importance of 90% isolation to halt the contagion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good news in global health. I hope this support reaches the affected communities quickly. The WHO's warning about 90% isolation needed is worrying—hope UAE's aid makes a difference.
This is commendable, but I hope the aid doesn't just go to bureaucratic pockets. We saw during COVID how some international aid got stuck in red tape. UAE should ensure transparent partnerships with local health workers on ground in Africa.
As someone whose family survived polio and smallpox in India, I know the value of international health cooperation. The Bundibugyo strain sounds scary—hope vaccines reach everyone. UAE and India should collaborate more on such missions.
Interesting to see UAE taking a lead. I wonder what other Gulf states are doing. The DRC outbreak has been ongoing for too long—needs urgent action. Good to see concret steps.
UAE doing what big powers should. India must also ramp up its health diplomacy—we have Serum Institute and vaccine capacity. Why not donate Covaxin or help with logistics? Global South must stand together against Ebola.
Heartening to see this. My uncle is a doctor
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