Emirates Red Crescent launches first phase of vaccination programme for refugees

UAE-based non-profit group Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has launched the first phase of its vaccination programme for refugees and displaced persons in Jordan and Iraq.

This comes as part of the medical assistance provided by the UAE’s primary humanitarian arm to help the two nations confront the Covid-19 pandemic and speed up the recovery drive.

In partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and in coordination with the health ministries in Iraq and Jordan as well as the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the medical assistance will benefit 12,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan and 15,000 Iraqi displaced people and Syrian refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan.

ERC secretary general Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi stated that the entity would start with vaccinating the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases. The vaccine will also help fight new emerging strains of the virus, he stressed.

The ERC is also providing essential humanitarian supplies to refugees in both countries and is sending two delegates to ensure the immediate needs of refugees are met.

the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ERC has begun implementing the first phase of the program to vaccinate tens of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons in Jordan and Iraq.

— الهلال الأحمر الإماراتي (@emiratesrc) May 15, 2021

Dr Gamal Mohamed Al Kaabi, undersecretary of the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, said the medical initiative reflects the role played by the UAE to confront the pandemic globally. He also acknowledged the ongoing collaboration with various local health departments in Iraq and Jordan.