Bilal Ahmed 
(C)Gulf News,uae dispatches 40 tonnes of medical supplies to lebanon 19321dcd82d large (1)
The ‘’UAE stands with Lebanon’’ campaign has now sent an 18th aircraft loaded with 40 tonnes of essential medical supplies. This forms a humanitarian airbridge that was initiated in early October following the disastrous effect of the current conflict on Lebanon. The UAE goes on subsidizing the suffering of the Lebanese people through food, medical and shelter aid, for those still in Lebanon, and in the neighboring Syrian refugee camps. It is an initiative in partnership with international organizations including WHO and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
UAE’s further support to the Lebanese reconstruction
According to the instructions of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has remained committed to providing humanitarian aid to Lebanon in the course of its turmoil. The current mission is number 18 in the series of airlifts that demonstrate the UAE’s consistent support for Lebanon. The relief supplies comprise essential life-saving products such as medicines and some medical equipment which are being delivered hand in hand with WHO and UNHCR.
The UAE has been quite biologically involved in supporting the humanitarian response to the crisis in Lebanon and making sure that food is delivered to the people there. Speaking at the event, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs, pointed out that the UAE always has been and continues to be a donor, especially during humanitarian crises. Under the country’s leadership represented today by its president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the country has remained committed to helping those affected by war or natural disasters.
Collaborative Efforts with International Partners
The campaign is being conducted in coordination with the most prominent international humanitarian organizations in the UAE. The aid is provided by partnering with WHO, UNHCR, and IFRC as the primary organizations that work with GPEI. These partnerships ensure the medical and humane assistance provided by the UAE gets to those in need in Lebanon and neighboring countries especially the refugees from Syria.
However, food aid, shelter materials, and other essential commodities as well as medication used to support the affected persons and the local communities in Lebanon are also part of the relief consignments. The UAE aid forms a part of the organization’s state’s multi-faceted approach towards restoring stability and bringing relief to the affected areas, by providing food and funds for the rebuilding of Lebanon.
UAE’s Humanitarian Tradition
The commitment to give international humanitarian aid was created by the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The current leaders have also maintained and enhanced this tradition by ensuring that Intentional responses to suffering persons due to war, conflicts, and other problems in the world at the right time. Sheikh Zayed’s guidance of a policy of assistance to anyone in the world still defines the UAE’s foreign and humanitarian policies to this day.
Sultan Mohammed accordingly affirmed the stand of UAE for Lebanon and Lebanese refugees in Syria by saying that his country will remain involved in relief operations to whichever extent is required. Such consistent and sustained support is a testament to the nation and its belief in humanitarian solidarity and the capability of the country as a global leader in reacting to crises.
