Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has instructed the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) to carry out emergency relief programme for drought and famine victims in African countries.
The UAE Red Crescent has completed preparations to begin urgent relief operations to help victims of the disaster that threatens millions of lives in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda.
The programme is also in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The programme will be launched with the support of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It will be closely monitored by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the RCA.
"The relief programme comes within the framework of the humanitarian responsibility undertaken by the country to alleviate human suffering wherever it takes place," Shaikh Hamdan said.
The Horn of Africa is witnessing the worst drought in 60 years. The Food and Agricultural Organisation recently appealed for speedy emergency assistance in the drought-hit region.
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