WHO Regional Director's Visit Reinforces Collaboration With Dubai Humanitarian

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, recently visited Dubai Humanitarian, the world's largest humanitarian hub. Her visit highlighted the ongoing partnership between Dubai Humanitarian and WHO in tackling global emergencies, especially in Gaza and Sudan.

During her visit, Dr. Balkhy met with both the Dubai Humanitarian team and WHO staff. She acknowledged their tireless efforts in supporting WHO’s mission to provide essential health services during crises. Touring various facilities such as the showroom, cold chain, kitting centre, and Knowledge and Development Centre, she observed firsthand how Dubai Humanitarian's resources are critical in responding swiftly to urgent health needs.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, expressed pride in supporting WHO's vital mission. He stated, "Our partnership has enabled the rapid deployment of aid and resources to areas in desperate need. Our collaboration with the WHO is longstanding, as seen through the Humanitarian Logistics Databank during the COVID-19 pandemic, the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, and the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Sudan."

Dr. Balkhy emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing health emergencies. "WHO’s partnership with Dubai Humanitarian exemplifies the strength of collective action in addressing regional and global health emergencies," she said. "The resources and support provided here have been instrumental in delivering timely aid to those in need."

The visit also underscored Dubai Humanitarian's crucial role in recent emergency responses. The hub organised 17 air shipments for Gaza via Al Arish in Egypt, transporting over 1,400 metric tons of aid from UN organisations hosted at the hub. Most of these rotations carried aid for WHO.

Future Collaborations and Innovations

Discussions during Dr. Balkhy's visit focused on strengthening future collaborations by utilising best practices and innovations. There was an emphasis on fostering networking and knowledge-sharing through the Knowledge and Development Center to enhance humanitarian action further.

The collaboration between Dubai Humanitarian and WHO serves as a model for strategic partnerships that drive impactful health interventions. This partnership ultimately saves lives and improves health outcomes under challenging circumstances.

The visit highlighted how strategic partnerships can make humanitarian efforts more efficient and sustainable by leveraging collective resources and expertise.

With inputs from WAM