UAE helps supply prosthetic and assistive devices for those affected by the Syria crisis

Abu Dhabi, 6th January 2015 (WAM): The UAE Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD) yesterday announced the signing of a one year, Dh 3.6 million (US$ 1 million) agreement with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support the UN organisation’s ‘Syria Crisis Response 2014’. The agreement, signed in December 2014, is part of UAE’s continuous efforts and commitment to improving the health conditions and livelihoods of people affected by the crisis in Syria. The agreement was signed by Hazza Al Qahtani, Undersecretary of MICAD, and Ms. Elizabeth Hoff, Representative of WHO in Syria, commissioned by the Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. It establishes the principle of cooperation and consultation between the two parties, and specifies the provision of artificial limbs and assistive devices for people affected by the Syria crisis. Statistics indicate that more than 750,000 men, women and children have suffered an injury resulting in the loss of an upper or lower limb or, in some cases, both. "This agreement is testament to the UAE’s support to regional and international humanitarian issues and we are proud to work with the WHO on this important cause which aims to change the lives of many by giving them hope for the future," said Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and Development. "We hope this project opens the door for further collaboration in future, as we remain committed to providing assistance to those affected by the unfortunate conflict in Syria," she added. The two parties have agreed to work jointly to help individuals affected by the Syrian crisis. The UAE contribution of Dh 3.6 million (USD 1 million), is expected to supply 700 patients inside Syria with artificial limbs, in addition to repairing artificial limbs for another 300 patients. Commenting on the agreement, Ms. Elizabeth Hoff said: "This contribution, which comes at a time when funding is critically short for the health sector and humanitarian needs are sharply increasing, demonstrates the commitment of the UAE to support humanitarian response in Syria through a strategic partnership with WHO". Ms. Hoff added, "When a crisis turns peoples' lives upside down, we count on the strong support of our partners and Member States to alleviate the pain of people in need. This benevolent donation of the UAE will contribute to the provision of prosthetics to hundreds of Syrians directly affected by the conflict." The project includes a work plan with a timeframe of activities and risk management strategy. The two partners will also be monitoring and evaluating the results to ensure the effectiveness of the project. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395274703407.html