Al-Mikdad, Executive Director of UNICEF discuss cooperation in responding to the earthquake repercussions

 Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Al-Mikdad discussed today with Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, and the accompanying delegation, the current cooperation between Syria and the organization in various fields, especially with regard to responding to the repercussions of the earthquake, providing support and implementing projects that concern children and alleviate the effects of the disaster on them.

Al-Mikdad stressed the importance Syria attaches to children and their natural rights to access care, education, health and clean water, pointing to the negative effects of the terrorist war and coercive Western economic measures on the possibility of providing what is needed for Syrians in general, and children in particular.

He pointed out that the earthquake came after years of suffering from the effects of the war and unilateral measures to impose a new reality and put the Syrians in front of major challenges. He explained that the government quickly launched an emergency response plan and measures at the national level to deal with the repercussions of the disaster, stressing the importance of the support of the international organizations, including UNICEF for these actions to improve reality and alleviate suffering in a sustainable way.

In turn, Russell presented some of the results of her visit to Aleppo and explained the priorities that the organization seeks to focus on, whether in its work in various fields or in the field of child care in particular, including helping children obtain education, water and health and reducing their vulnerability to the results of Corona, conflicts, wars and disasters.

In this regard, the UNICEF Executive Director referred to the additional effects of natural disasters in a number of regions, most notably the earthquake in Syria, on various aspects of children’s lives, and to the important role of UNICEF in reducing the effects of these disasters and providing the necessary support for children to restore their normal lives. She thanked the Syrian government for supporting the UNICEF work in the country.

The two sides agreed to continue communication and coordination to ensure optimal implementation of joint projects, which fall within the framework of reducing the suffering of children and improving the humanitarian situation of the Syrians.

Ministry Of Health, UNICEF Discuss Ways To Support Those Affected By The Earthquake

Minister of Health Hassan Al-Ghabbash held talks with Russell on ways of cooperation in the medical field, especially providing the necessary support for those affected by the earthquake.

Dr. Al-Ghabbash drew attention to the efforts of the organization in relation to the earthquake disaster, as the UNICEF supported the health sector in all circumstances, pointing to the importance of following up on the conditions and vaccination programs for children who live in shelter centers, and providing them with all services.

In turn, Russell indicated that the organization has developed a plan to respond to earthquake disasters over a period of 3 months to help about 3 million children, pregnant women and lactating women to ensure that children’s immunity is raised and that diseases do not spread. She stressed that the UNICEF will continue to work to achieve good food coverage, especially for children in the governorates affected by the earthquake.

NR