On Saturday 2 October, an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge delivered more than 25 metric tonnes of medical cargo to Kabul, the European Commission announced on that day.
The flight, funded by the EU, enables humanitarian organisations to provide essential health and nutrition products to those in need. The shipment consisted of medical equipment, including Covid-19, and trauma care kits provided by UNICEF, Save the Children and the World Health Organization (WHO). A first flight delivered 32 metric tonnes of surgical equipment and medical supplies on 29 September.
“Over the past weeks, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has further deteriorated at an alarming rate, with more than 18 million people in desperate need of humanitarian aid”, highlighted the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič. He added: “this EU funded Humanitarian Air Bridge flight allows the EU to deliver vital health and nutrition assistance despite the current transport and logistic constraints in the country.”
The ongoing conflict and insecurity, as well as the recent drought, continue to cause massive suffering and displacement in Afghanistan and the region. In 2021, the EU has pledged to mobilise over €300 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)