15,000 people set to benefit from latest UAE winter aid supplies

Humanitarian relief is being delivered to thousands of vulnerable families and people via the UAE's embassy in the Italian capital Rome.

The aid supplies have been ordered under a directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC).

The programme has been intensified this year by the COVID-19 pandemic.

15,000 people are set to benefit in Italy, San Marino and North Macedonia.

Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the ERC, stated that Sheikh Hamdan is keen to support those affected and provide for their basic needs throughout the year, but His Highness directed the ERC to prioritise winter supplies, as many people are living in camps and other areas without heating.

Al Falahi added that it is important to create acceptable conditions for the beneficiaries and protect them from flu and other seasonal illnesses.

Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Italy and Non-Resident Ambassador to San Marino and North Macedonia, praised Sheikh Hamdan’s generous initiative that reflects fraternity and solidarity between the UAE’s leadership and people, which is the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The embassy will implement the directives of Sheikh Hamdan and monitor the needs of vulnerable families, most notably those affected by the economic aftermath of the pandemic this winter, Al Shamsi said.

The ERC mission is helping people suffering during the cold weather in 25 countries.

They include Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Greece, Syria, Albania, Kazakhstan, Bosnia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Dagestan, Georgia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Ukraine, Estonia, Turkmenistan, Latvia and Moldova.