Cairo, May 18th, 2023 - The Ministry of Social Solidarity (MoSS), the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), the European Union (EU) in Egypt, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt have joined together in a collaborative effort to provide immediate healthcare supplies, reinforcing the government's response at Egypt's southern borders.

As of May 13th, a total of 83,758 Sudanese individuals have crossed the border into Egypt. To support these vulnerable populations, 27 tons of essential healthcare supplies were made available and distributed to those in need at the southern border of the country. This assistance is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the health and well-being of those seeking refuge in Egypt.

The handover of supplies took place at the Egyptian Red Crescents (ERC) headquarters in Cairo, with the presence of Her Excellency the Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Nivine El-Kabbag, the Executive Director of the ERC, Dr. Ramy El-Nazer, the Head of the European Union delegation to Egypt, Ambassador Christian Berger, and UNDP Egypt Resident Representative, Alessandro Fracassetti. This collective endeavor highlights the imperative for the international community to unite and extend support to the people of Sudan, while also demonstrating solidarity with Egypt in providing timely and much-needed assistance.

In her speech, Dr. Nivine El-Kabbag reaffirmed that the healthcare supplies provided represents a collaboration between the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme in Egypt. “This joint effort aims to strengthen institutional capacities and human resources and supports the Egyptian Red Crescent's endeavors in addressing the Sudanese crisis which reflects our profound appreciation and confidence in their exceptional work. The international community recognizes the Egyptian Red Crescent's unwavering commitment to serving humanity within and beyond Egypt, as well as their diligent oversight of urgent relief interventions during critical situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis,” she stated. 

Drawing attention to the refugee crisis, Dr. El Kabbag emphasized its magnitude as the world's third-largest refugee crisis, trailing behind Syria and Afghanistan. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), a staggering 63% of South Sudanese refugees are under the age of 18, with a majority being women and children who have fled the violence on Sudanese soil.

She further elaborated on the Ministry of Social Solidarity's comprehensive efforts, which encompass local and international relief initiatives estimated at approximately 150 million pounds. With a network of 26 relief centers nationwide and the dedication of tens of thousands of volunteers, the ministry works in close collaboration with civil society organizations to provide timely interventions.

Highlighting Egypt's status as home to nearly 8 million refugees from various countries, making it the world's largest host of refugees, Dr. El Kabbag expressed the ministry's hope for increased support for their ongoing efforts, as well as those of the Egyptian Red Crescent. “This support is crucial in advancing additional relief, humanitarian aid, supply interventions, and social protection measures. Ensuring the well-being of families, especially women, children, and the elderly, remains a priority, with continuous monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities” she added.

From his side, Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt said “The EU and its Member States are committed to supporting Egypt and Sudan during these difficult times. We are working with our partners to assist Egypt in its efforts to guarantee basic social and health needs to Sudanese refugees. The EU has additionally allocated EUR 200,000 to the Egyptian Red Crescent for the provision of support to people arriving in Egypt from Sudan.” 

UNDP Egypt Resident Representative said, “Today, we stand united in our support for the Government of Egypt as we provide essential healthcare supplies to the people of Sudan amidst the unfortunate circumstances unfolding in Sudan," stated UNDP Egypt Resident Representative, Alessandro Fracassetti. "Moving forward, UNDP Egypt will dedicate its efforts to building resilience and safeguarding the livelihoods of both the host communities and Sudanese individuals in Egypt. Our primary goal is to assist the government and local stakeholders in delivering vital basic services to those affected."

"We are committed to fostering social cohesion, reducing poverty and unemployment, and enhancing social services for the most vulnerable Egyptian communities hosting Sudanese individuals," Fracassetti continued. "In collaboration with the Government of Egypt, humanitarian actors, civil society organizations, and sister UN agencies, we will work hand in hand, bringing a development-oriented approach to both immediate and long-term response efforts."

 The Ministry of Social Solidarity, the EU in Egypt, UNDP Egypt, and the Egyptian Red Crescent are working tirelessly to ensure that the needed assistance reaches those who need it most.