AT a time when most governments are focused on dealing with the novel coronavirus pandemic within their borders, some nations have emerged as leaders in this global fight against the pathogen, reaching out to others with much-needed medical supplies and expertise. Qatar — which not only sits on the vital east-west corridor but also connects the global supply chains between Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond – has reached in both directions, assisting its friends and some of the most vulnerable communities against the COVID-19 disease outbreak.
The State of Qatar has intensified its humanitarian work through Qatar Red Crescent Society and other Qatari institutions, working with host countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, to protect refugees and other vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 outbreak. On the directions of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has dispatched two field hospitals with a capacity of 1,000 beds to Italy, which has suffered one of the highest fatalities from the virus. As the Qatari Amiri Air Force delivered the field hospitals on Wednesday, Qatar’s Ambassador in Rome said it was a fight Qatar and Italy will fight and win together. Another three flights were scheduled to carry medical supplies from Qatar to Italy.
At the same time, Qatar Airways is playing a crucial role in keeping the skies open, delivering essential supplies to places where they are needed the most at this critical time. While most airlines are grounded and international travel is mostly suspended, Qatar Airways has been busy in not only repatriating stranded citizens of various countries, but also transporting thousands of tonnes of essential supplies. Last month, Qatar Airways Cargo transported over 50,000 tonnes of medical and aid supplies to regions affected by the outbreak.
The airline is prioritising the transportation of vital medical equipment and aid as part of global efforts against the pandemic. Apart from keeping the supply routes open, the airline has also repatriated thousands of people stranded due to global travel disruptions. In March, Qatar Airways flew home more than 45,000 Britons from various countries via Doha, in addition to thousands of nationals of various other European countries. Qatar has implemented a very effective strategy against the COVID-19 outbreak at home, winning UN praise for providing everybody with top-notch healthcare facilities free-of-cost, and is in the right place to share its expertise and assist others in the region and beyond.
