Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SD)

Abu Dhabi, Apr 6: To tackle the ongoing pandemic, UAE sent 10 tonnes of medical supplies to Italy, sources from The National- UAE reveal. More than 10,000 doctors and nurses can be benefited with the help of the shipment, the UAE government said, as Italy is the worst affected country globally.

As of Monday, Italy recorder more than 15,000 deaths. The country has nearly 1,28,000 cases of which 21,000 have recovered from the virus so far.

In such situation, health care professionals' safety is crucial which can be ensured with sufficient and effective safety kits such as masks, gloves and protective kits.

Italy's foreign minister Luigi Di Maio in his tweet to UAE minister of foreign affairs and international co-operation said, "Thanks to my colleague Abdullah bin Zayed for the friendship and solidarity shown. A gesture that we will not forget."

UAE ambassador to Italy, Omar al Shamsi said that the humanitarian programme of UAE 'prioritizes support for the leadership and people of countries experiencing challenges.'

"These initiatives include emergency assistance collaborations with the World Health Organizations, as well as the provisions of aid to various countries, including China, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Seychelles to help them overcome the crisis." the ambassador said.

Over 11 tonnes of protective equipment for medical staff were sent to Pakistan on an aid flight on Sunday, April 5. The equipment included 20,000 COVID-19 test kits, 5,00,000 gloves, 30,000 protective gowns and face masks, and 10,000 sanitizers.

As of Sunday, Pakistan recorded over 2,899 coronavirus cases and reported over 45 deaths. Meanwhile, around 208 patients have recovered from the disease.