On the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has announced the launch of a new initiative aiming to treat and rehabilitate the victims of the Beirut explosion. The initiative is being implemented under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. She is the Honorary Chairperson of the ERC and the "Mother of the Nation".

The initiative will be carried out to assist and treat the victims who suffered deformities due to the explosion in Beirut that took place earlier in August. Through the initiative, the ERC will provide prosthetic limbs to the patients and will offer gifts to children affected by the blast.

The ERC will be executing the initiative in partnership with the humanitarian aid office of the UAE Embassy in Beirut, the Lebanese Red Cross and other relevant Lebanese authorities.

Discussing about the initiative, Minister of State Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi highlighted the significant role played by Sheikha Fatima towards initiating humanitarian efforts and promoting human solidarity by supporting victims of disasters and crises across the world.

She stated that the initiative will provide special treatment to those people who are suffering from deformities and lost limbs due to the explosion along with taking care of traumatised children hard-hit by the blast.

Responding to the initiative, Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the ERC, said that it reflects Sheikha Fatima's efforts to minimize the health impact of the disaster and diversifying humanitarian efforts to fulfill the health and development needs of peoples and communities affected by the severe crises.

The initiatives carried out by Sheikha Fatima have been accomplishing various aspirations of the UAE’s leadership and the sustainable humanitarian strategy of the country. Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi stated that these initiatives are being carried out through the implementation of various ambitious programmes and providing basic services to individuals and communities in need. 

WAM