Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered two plane-loads of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to be flown to Sudan to tackle a health crisis there.

The mission involved supplies from the World Health Organization’s Logistics Hub in Dubai that were flown to Africa by chartered aircraft on Sunday and Monday.

The medical cargo will ease critical shortages in Sudanese health facilities and increase access to protective and biomedical equipment required for the fight against the coronavirus.

Technical logistics staff from the WHO’s Dubai base were also flown to assist Sudan’s embattled health workers.

Dubai’s International Humanitarian City worked with Emirates SkyCargo, a fellow member of the Vaccine Logistics Alliance, to transfer aid from Dubai International Airport to Khartoum Airport.

“By supporting the emergency response of its member community, IHC’s efforts reflect Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for assisting populations affected by natural disasters and complex emergencies,” said Giuseppe Saba, chief executive of the International Humanitarian City.

“IHC has been always together with its community and will continue to proactively support humanitarian actions and continue to serve communities in need.”

The first plane touched down in Khartoum on Sunday.

The second delivery, on Monday, contained 54 tons of WHO supplies. Valued at $795,000, the aid will reach an estimated 700,000 beneficiaries.