UAE donates AED 1 million to treat neonatal congenital anomalies in Afghanistan

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is donating AED 1 million to the UN Children's Fund to treat neonatal congenital anomalies in Afghanistan.

The proceeds are from the Ataya charity exhibition.

The show was organised by the ERC to raise funds and spread awareness about the development of underprivileged communities.

Congenital anomalies are a leading cause of death among children under the age of five in Afghanistan.

Fahad Abdurrahman bin Sultan, ERC Deputy Secretary-General for Development and International Cooperation, and the UNICEF Representative in the Gulf Area, Eltayeb Adam, signed an agreement via video conference to donate the funds.

Commenting on the development, Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the ERC, underlined the importance of the agreements and partnerships the UAE's humanitarian arm signs with international organisations.

He highlighted the significant role of the Ataya show in supporting vulnerable communities under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Assistant to the Chairman of the ERC for Women’s Affairs and Head of the Higher Committee of the Ataya initiative, and the wife of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC.

"The agreement is set to strengthen the robust partnership between the two sides in enhancing the health services provided to children," Al Falahi added, describing the agreement as a major step in the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and UNICEF in Afghanistan.

Eltayeb Adam commended the UAE’s significant humanitarian and development role and noted the ERC’s international initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of children, through supporting UNICEF’s regional and international projects.