Qatar Airways teams up with UNHCR to deliver humanitarian aid across the world
Since the start of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Qatar has been extending a helping hand to countries deeply impacted by the disease.
In addition to sending several tonnes of relief aid, including medical equipment and supplies, across different countries, Qatar has also urged the international community to combine efforts in the fight against COVID-19, which poses a common threat to all.
Moving forward with this humanitarian spirit, Qatar Airways (QA) has combined efforts with the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to deliver life-saving support to those most in need across the world.
In a press statement, QA said it has signed a two-year partnership agreement with UNHCR, to support the agency's "purpose of providing humanitarian relief and assistance to the displaced globally."
The agreement, which is a first between the two organizations, will utilize the airline's network out of Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha.
Announcing two year partnership, #QatarAirways GCEO HE Mr. Akbar Al Baker: “We are incredibly proud to join efforts with @UNHCR to provide relief aid to people and communities most in need.”
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 31, 2020
?: belgianspotter (Instagram) pic.twitter.com/9vbhRDng8m
With a fleet of more than 200 aircraft, QA, in conjunction with UNHCR, will carry essential support including water, medical care, and hygiene materials to refugees, internally displaced people, and host community members around the world to ensure their safety.
The agreement, which will continue until May 2022, reflects a clear response to the challenges that have emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are incredibly proud to join efforts with UNHCR to provide relief aid to people and communities most in need. By having a robust international network, we are pleased to be able to give a helping hand to support this great cause," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker.
"During this crisis, we have worked closely with governments and NGOs to prioritize the shipment of medical and aid supplies transporting over 175,000 tonnes, the equivalent of approximately 1,750 fully loaded Boeing 777 freighters," he added.
Khaled Khalifa, senior advisor and representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries at UNHCR commented, "Our primary focus at UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society. It is times like these when we must take action and strive to find lasting solutions which is why our partnership with Qatar Airways is crucial."
QA Cargo's extensive network of operations covers destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, The Americas, and Oceania, and will help consolidate UNHCR efforts in coming to the aid of vulnerable groups of people globally.
According to the airline, it will provide air cargo services for up to 400,000 kg of essential supplies. These will be distributed to UNHCR operations across the world.
During the current crisis, QA Cargo saw a rise in operations to help global trade and to transport essential supplies and relief materials to heavily impacted regions.
The airline's freight division continues to operate approximately 180 cargo flights per day, according to the QA statement.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Qatar continue to implement the highest level of monitoring, detection, and management procedures to deal with the virus, and the public has been advised to follow certain measures to safeguard their health.
For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.
Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.
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