In a major move, the Emirates Red Crescent has launched the first phase of vaccination campaign to inoculate 15,000 Syrian refugees and displaced persons using the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in refugees camps in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The initiative was launched in line with the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and the Honorary Chairwoman of the ERC. Under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC, the inoculation programme is being conducted in coordination with the UAE Consulate in Erbil, Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Health in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The first phase of the vaccination drive kickstarted at the Dibkah Camp in Erbil in the presence of ERC Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi; UAE Consul-General in Erbil Ahmed Al Dhaheri; Undersecretary of Department of Health-Abu Dhabi Dr Mohammed Alkaabi; Kurdistan's Minister of Health Dr. Saman Barzanji; Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw; Barzani Charity Foundation president Mousa Ahmed and other officials.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Al Falahi underlined that the programme is aimed at supporting Syrian refugees and Iraqi displaced people amid the challenging circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will further accelerate the recovery process in Iraqi Kurdistan with the implementation of necessary preventative and precautionary measures in the densely populated camps severely affected by the repercussions of the pandemic.

Furthermore, Alkaabi noted that the initiative reflects the crucial role played by the UAE in overcoming the pandemic challenges at both regional and international levels. Throughout the fight against the pandemic, the UAE has extended essential aid and support to sisterly and friendly nations in order to help them contain the spread of the virus.

For his part, the UAE Consul General highlighted the significance of the directives issued by the UAE leadership in speeding up the rehabilitation and reconstruction campaign initiated by ERC in Northern Iraq.

He hailed the constant support provided by the UAE towards Iraqi people under various circumstances in times of crises through the launch of multiple humanitarian initiatives with the aim of alleviating their sufferings. 

WAM