The latest in a series of Egypt’s humanitarian air bridge flights to Lebanon with over 15 tonnes of medical and emergency supplies to reinforce the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response arrived in Beirut on Thursday.
Egypt’s Health Minister Hala Zayed was on board one of three humanitarian assistance flights, delivering a message of solidarity from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and all Egyptians to Lebanon.
In a press conference upon her arrival, Zayed said that under the directives of President Al-Sisi, this air bridge will continue until the pandemic in Lebanon ends.
Since August 2020, Egypt has set up an air bridge operation to provide humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, with several medical teams sent to assist in providing medical aid at Egypt’s field hospital in Beirut. The assistance comes upon the Egyptian President’s directives to support the Lebanese people following a huge and deadly blast at Beirut’s port last year.
Zayed said she will inspect the Egyptian field hospital in Beirut, noting that the hospital has provided services to more than 100,000 Lebanese for free.
Spokesperson for the Egyptian Health Ministry, Khaled Megahed, stated that the three aircraft delivered 16 tonnes of baby formula, and 15 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies.
In addition, a shipment provided by the Arab League included 7.6 tonnes of medical devices, in order to support the health sector in Lebanon against the pandemic.
Lebanese Minister of Health, Hamad Hasan, extended his appreciation to Egyptian President Al-Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly for their support to Lebanon since the Beirut port crisis.
He added that Lebanon is going through exceptional circumstances, asserting that his country could face the health crisis with the support of all Arab countries.
