Page 127 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

Section 04
127
Geographical Focus of UAE Assistance

02 Health

In 2022, health emerged as a dominant area of the UAE’s In collaboration with global partners, the UAE further
support for Ethiopia, ranking as the second-highest amplified its impact. AED 22.0 million (USD 6.0 million)
funded sector and receiving 42% of the UAE’s total aid contribution, routed through the Famine Relief Fund,
to the nation, amounting to AED 283.3 million (USD was made to UNICEF’s humanitarian initiatives in
77.1 million). The pressing global concern of COVID-19 Ethiopia. This financial boost empowered UNICEF
was clearly reflected in the UAE’s allocations, with a to acquire vital therapeutic food, a lifeline for many
significant 78% of this health-focused aid, dedicated to children on the brink of severe malnutrition.
tackling the pandemic. This strategic funding ensured
the delivery of over 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses As part of UNICEF’s immediate response in Ethiopia,
to Ethiopia, marking a pivotal step in the nation’s battle their outreach aims to assist an estimated 3.4 million
against the virus. Ethiopians, of which 1.4 million were children.
Between January to May 2022, their proactive ‘Find
In addition to pandemic-related support, the UAE and Treat’ nutrition campaign in drought-stricken
channeled AED 39.4 million (USD 10.7 million) to regions successfully treated over 75,000 children for
Ethiopia’s emergency health sector. This injection of severe malnutrition. 19
funds enabled the provision of more than 180 tons of
essential medicines, medical equipment, and supplies, The UAE’s healthcare interventions were not limited
thereby strengthening medical response capabilities, to these areas. The UAE’s commitment to maternal
especially in critical regions like Tigray and the capital, and infant health was evident in projects that supplied
Addis Ababa. a month’s worth of infant formula milk to numerous
mothers and infants. Additionally, the UAE embarked
on endeavors focused on eye care and the eradication
of trachoma, further underscoring its comprehensive
approach to healthcare in Ethiopia.
03 Other Sectors

Beyond its significant contributions to commodity aid Furthermore, understanding the indispensable role of
and health initiatives, the UAE broadened its support water in human health and agricultural productivity, the
to various other sectors in Ethiopia, underlining UAE championed initiatives in Ethiopia to enhance water
its comprehensive commitment to the nation’s accessibility. Projects centered on the construction
development. One such domain was Ethiopia’s agro- of water wells and pumps were funded, ensuring a
industries sector, which received a substantial boost more sustainable water supply for local communities.
with an allocation of AED 24.0 million (USD 6.5 million) Beyond these infrastructural interventions, the UAE
in grant funding from the UAE. This disbursement is also facilitated the provision of clean drinking water,
a testament to the UAE’s recognition of the sector’s thus directly contributing to improving the health and
potential in transforming Ethiopia’s economy, wellbeing of countless Ethiopians.
enhancing food security, and creating employment
opportunities. In 2018, the UAE’s foreign aid initiatives in Ethiopia
underscored its dedication to fostering development,
Infrastructure development also featured prominently health, and humanitarian relief in the region. Through
in the UAE’s support. The Gedo-Fincha-Lemlem strategic disbursements, the nation aimed to uplift
Bareha road project, an integral initiative for improving Ethiopia’s socio-economic landscape and address
connectivity and fostering economic growth in the critical challenges. This commitment reflects the UAE’s
region, continued to benefit from the UAE’s financial broader vision of supporting sustainable progress and
backing. fostering global partnerships for a better future.