United Arab Emirates collaborates with Syrian health authorities
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has teamed up with Syrian health authorities to carry out crucial cardiac operations in disadvantaged communities. The initiative, known as the Cardiac Care project, is spearheaded by the Emirates Red Crescent Society (ERC) in collaboration with the Latakia Governorate Health Directorate, the Al Bassel Cardiology Hospital in Latakia and a specialised medical team.
The main objective of the project, as reported by Wam Agency, is to perform catheterisation and heart surgeries in order to address the growing problem of heart disease in the territory. The collaboration is part of Operation Gallant Knight 2.
Mohammed Al Kaabi, head of the ERC delegation in Syria, highlighted the common concern about heart disease observed during the relief missions carried out by the teams in various cities. Meanwhile, Dr Hawazen Makhlouf, director of the Latakia Health Directorate, expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its continued support as Syria works to rebuild in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in Syria and Turkey resulted in a confirmed death toll of nearly 60,000, of which, as reported by The National News, more than 8,000 died in Syria alone.
Operation Gallant Knight 2
A humanitarian campaign established by Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Operation Gallant Knight 2 has successfully completed 100 days of continuous assistance to Syria following the devastating 6 February earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
During this period, a total of 181 aircraft and three ships were dispatched carrying 11,156 tonnes of essential food supplies, medicines and medical equipment to help those affected.
The Emirati president's response to the earthquake, launched by the Joint Operations Command, demonstrates the country's commitment to humanitarian efforts and the leadership's dedication to supporting the Syrian and Turkish populations.
Under the leadership of the Emirates Red Crescent Society, the Bridges of Giving campaign involved more than 16 Emirati donors. The ERC played a crucial role in delivering food parcels, essential items, medicines and medical supplies to earthquake victims. In addition, a temporary shelter with 50 tents was set up to accommodate those affected.
Another major initiative launched under Operation Gallant Knight 2 is "Your doctor in your home", where a medical team of four specialists is treating more than 800 elderly people, women and children in Latakia. This initiative has benefited 1,100 families, assisting a total of 6,000 people.
This operation is a collaborative effort involving the UAE Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and the Emirates Red Crescent Society.
Emirati efforts
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the ruler's representative in the Al Dhafra region and chairman of the ERC, allocated $5.4 million for Ramadan programmes in Syria, which will benefit 160,000 displaced families.
As part of this initiative, Latakia governorate received 19,371 Ramadan ration packs, with 2,700 meals per day, as well as in Aleppo, Hama and Homs governorates. During Eid Al Fitr, clothing donations reached 4,290 families in four governorates, helping 17,160 Syrians. In addition, 20,000 sacks of rice and flour were also distributed in these regions.
To help displaced families affected by the earthquake, the UAE built 1,000 prefabricated houses in Latakia at a cost of Dh65 million. Sheikh Mohammed personally led this project to provide shelter for up to 6,000 people. These solar-powered homes are equipped with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom.
Abu Dhabi remains committed to providing ongoing humanitarian assistance to those in need, ensuring that support reaches affected communities during their recovery period.
