UAE supports Ebola response with WHO medical airlift to Congo

June 05, 2026 / 8:36 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian has airlifted 20 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) prepositioned stocks to support efforts to combat the outbreak of a new Ebola virus strain in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), via Uganda.

The shipment departed from Al Maktoum International - Dubai World Central (DWC) and is expected to support hundreds of patients over a four-week period, while also assisting approximately 280 healthcare facilities.

Medical supplies delivered to support Ebola response efforts

The cargo includes multipurpose tents, disinfectants, personal protective equipment, thermometers, and other essential medical supplies required to strengthen efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak and support frontline healthcare workers in affected areas.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said, “As Ebola cases continue to spread, Dubai Humanitarian is supporting its members and the international humanitarian community in responding swiftly to this crisis by facilitating the transport of life-saving aid. We stand ready to continue this air bridge in collaboration with our members, with support from Dubai Humanitarian’s Global Humanitarian Impact Fund and Dubai Royal Air Wing."

Saba added that humanitarian operations are facing increasing pressure due to global supply chain disruptions and funding challenges, stressing the importance of coordinated international response efforts.

WHO highlights importance of rapid international response

Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said, “We are grateful to Dubai Humanitarian and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for their continued partnership in supporting health emergency response efforts around the world. At a time when the world is on heightened alert following the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, rapid action and international solidarity are essential.”

Dr Balkhy added that the airlift will help frontline health workers detect, contain and respond to Ebola cases while protecting themselves and affected communities.

Dubai Humanitarian’s ongoing global emergency logistics role

Dubai Humanitarian previously served as a global logistics platform supporting UN agencies and international humanitarian organisations in the rapid delivery of medical supplies and relief aid to countries most affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2016.