Egyptian Red Crescent, UNDP deliver EU-funded 27 tons of medical aid to Sudan

CAIRO – 21 May 2023: The Egyptian Red Crescent delivered 27 tons of medical aid to Sudan in collaboration with the UNDP, and through funding provided by the European Union.

Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine al-Qabbaj said Saturday that the grant reflects confidence in the Egyptian Red Crescent to carry out humanitarian work locally and abroad, highlighting its role during COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine War, and various refugee crises.

The Egyptian minister noted that the current refugee crisis incurred by the Sudanese civil war, is the third largest of its kind following those of Syria and Afghanistan. She stated that the ministry has allocated LE150 million to aid targeted at beneficiaries locally and abroad, adding that Egypt has 26 aid centers and tens of thousands of volunteers.

Minister Qabaj pointed out that Egypt hosts eight million refugees, which requires more support to its efforts pertaining to the Red Crescent, humanitarian aid, social protection, and services targeted at women, children, and elderly.

In that context, EU Ambassador to Cairo Christian Berger affirmed the union's commitment to backing Egypt and Sudan in such harsh circumstances by helping the former fulfill the social and healthcare needs of Sudanese refugees. He underscored that the EU had granted €200,000 to the Egyptian Red Crescent.

UNDP Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti stated that the programme would dedicate its efforts to securing ways of living to host communities and the Sudanese in Egypt. That is by bolstering the capabilities of the government and local entities concerned with providing vital essential services.

Fracasset also stressed commitment to reinforcing social cohesion, social services, and reducing poverty and unemployment in the Egyptian communities hosting the Sudanese. He further noted that the UNDP would join forces with the Egyptian government, humanitarian aid workers, NGOs, and UN agencies to accomplish immediate response and long-term development plans.