Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrives for an event. File

Gulf Today Report

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), conveyed his profound gratitude to the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the International Humanitarian City in Dubai for their invaluable assistance to the Lebanese people in the face of mounting challenges on the ground.

Through his official account on the X platform, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said, “During the past 24-hour period, four flights have transported medical supplies for the treatment of injuries, cholera, and mental health conditions to Beirut.”

He added, “These supplies are sufficient to treat approximately 100,000 patients, and the World Health Organization is working to provide additional supplies to meet all identified needs.”

Adhanom expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, and the Dubai Humanitarian Centre for their assistance in facilitating the delivery.

Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has launched a national relief campaign to support Lebanon and its brotherly people in light of the ongoing escalation under the name "UAE stands with Lebanon".

Following the directives of His Highness the UAE President to provide an urgent US$100 million relief package to the people of Lebanon, the UAE, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO), dispatched on Friday an aircraft carrying 40 tonnes of urgent medical aid to Lebanon. The flight, which departed from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, is the first to arrive in Lebanon under this relief campaign.

The aid aircraft reflects the UAE’s humanitarian efforts and commitment to supporting the people of Lebanon and demonstrates the close fraternal relations between both nations, particularly in the face of such adversity. The aid also embodies the UAE’s humanitarian vision and the historic fraternal principles embedded in extending a helping hand to others during crises.

In this regard, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said, “These endeavours underline the UAE leadership’s dedication to providing urgent humanitarian support to countries around the world, representing the steadfast commitment of the country, its leadership, and people to the values of solidarity and cooperation. The UAE continuously strives to lead in providing aid and assistance.”

Al Hashimy emphasised that the flight marks the initiation of the UAE's response to the urgent situation that the Lebanese people are currently facing, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to providing all possible humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering and meet urgent needs, particularly for the most vulnerable.

The UAE has previously expressed its deep concern over increased escalation in Lebanon, as well as the repercussions of this dangerous spillover and its impact on regional stability.

Furthermore, the UAE affirmed its support for the brotherly people of Lebanon during this challenging period, emphasising the country’s unwavering position towards the unity of Lebanon, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The UAE underscored the necessity of concerted international endeavours to halt the escalation and prevent further loss of life, stressing the importance of providing full protection to civilians according to international law and treaties.