In a groundbreaking act of solidarity and compassion, eighty-five critically ill patients from Gaza were airlifted to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for specialized medical treatment. This monumental joint evacuation, orchestrated with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of the UAE, and other partners, marks a significant milestone in providing lifesaving care to those in urgent need.
The patients, comprising 35 children and 50 adults, were conveyed from Gaza to Ramon Airport in Israel, facilitated by WHO. Among them, there are individuals battling various critical conditions, including cancer, trauma injuries, blood diseases, congenital disorders, and other debilitating illnesses. The presence of family members and caregivers accompanying the patients underscores the importance of emotional and mental support in medical emergencies, as disclosed by WHO.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, expressed profound gratitude towards the UAE for their unwavering commitment to evacuating the patients from Gaza and ensuring they receive essential medical care. This act of solidarity exemplifies the urgent need for intra-regional support, emphasizing the critical importance of regional support networks in times of crisis.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, echoed the sentiment, thanking the UAE for their pivotal role in facilitating the evacuation and underscoring the need for the establishment of evacuation corridors to ensure swift access to healthcare for those in dire need. Dr. Tedros also emphasized the necessity of restoring evacuations to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to alleviate the suffering of thousands of individuals and underscored the paramount importance of a ceasefire to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
The evacuation, which faced delays and challenges, highlighted the resilience and dedication of the WHO team in coordinating the transfer of patients under arduous circumstances. Despite the logistical hurdles and risks involved, the team managed to navigate complex terrains to ensure the safe passage of patients from Gaza to the designated departure point.
Throughout the evacuation process, patients received comprehensive care and support, including medical supplies, access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and ongoing medical assistance provided by WHO and collaborating partners. The seamless transfer of patients from Kerem Shalom to the airport, supported by WHO, underscored the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the patients throughout their journey.
In the wake of this significant medical evacuation, WHO issued a call to action to the international community, urging intensified efforts to facilitate safe, timely, and organized medical evacuations to provide critical care to those in need. With thousands still awaiting evacuation in Gaza, collaborative initiatives and solidarity remain essential to ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas.
As the patients embark on their journey towards healing and recovery, the successful evacuation stands as a testament to the power of collective action and compassion in the face of adversity. Let this extraordinary act of solidarity pave the way for more collaborative endeavors to ensure access to essential healthcare for all those in need.
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