Arab News

DUBAI: The UAE helped the World Health Organization fly experts and medical supplies to Iran as part of efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak there.

Iranian officials say at least 66 people have died and more than 1,500 cases have been confirmed in the worst spread of the disease outside of China where it originated.

The UAE Air Force deployed an aircraft that carried 7.5 tonnes of cargo from Dubai to Iran, the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported.

Gloves, surgical masks, and other basic medical supplies to help 15,000 healthcare workers treating patients were packed up and loaded at Dubai’s International Humanitarian City.

The aid also included diagnostic kits to screen thousands of people.

“This mission is part of our efforts to support coronavirus patients,” said Sultan Al-Shamsi, the UAE’s assistant minister for international development affairs. “We will continue to extend our support to the people in distress in collaboration with the international community.”

Dr. Richard Brennan, WHO’s acting regional emergency director, said it would not have been possible for the UN health agency to carry out the mission without the support of the UAE government.

“Iran has reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the Middle East,” he said. “The medical supplies will help equip Iran to contain the virus.”