Sunday May 7, 2017
DUBAI: Dar Al Ber Society has dispatched its second relief convoy to drought and famine-hit Somalia.
Unlike the first campaign that was mostly focusing on securing necessary foodstuff assistance, a medical team has been sent to run a field hospital as part of the second convoy, which also included a number of experts to work on a number of sustainable agricultural projects to efficiently combat massive drought, and avoid its return.
Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Executive Director of Dar Al Ber, said the voluntary medical team has been sent to Somalia in collaboration with the Zayed Giving, Saudi German Hospital, and Sharjah Charity House.
“The medical team has managed, in just two days, to treat over 2,000 patients of different ages in three clinics at the remote areas of the country which were mostly hit by the drought and famine.”
The medical team consists of more than 50 members whereas the field hospital included 10 beds, he added.
Other members of the visiting team, who arrived in Hargeisa city on April 26, were busy figuring out a number of sustainable agricultural projects to secure the crops for people and fodder for animals there.
“The campaign, in line with the ‘Year of Giving’ initiative launched by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, coincides with the ‘For You Somalia’ nationwide relief drive,” he said.
Dar Al Ber had earlier taken the initiative and contributed foodstuff, worth AED 2.8 million, to the famine-hit Somali people in the beginning of April this year, he stated.
Imran Mohammed Abdullah, Head of Charity Projects at Dar Al Ber, said the team assigned for the agricultural project met with Somali officials to find ways out to avoid the reoccurrence of drought. “Special water wells will be dug for planting massive lands with fodder to protect the animals from death and secure their food,” he said, adding “Other crops will also be planted to ensure the food for people.”