International Medical Corps, a global, humanitarian, nongovernmental relief organization with the mission to save lives, reduce suffering and build self-reliance, has established a new hub in Dubai to serve as a support for its operations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. International Medical Corps UAE will leverage its strong ties in the region to save lives and to strengthen communities in the world’s most devastating crises.
Established in 1984, International Medical Corps has worked in more than 70 countries around the world delivering more than US $1.6 billion in health care programming and providing health worker training and humanitarian services. The organization is actively responding to current crises in Gaza, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Turkey and Yemen. It is also among the dwindling number of humanitarian agencies still working in Darfur, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Iraq.
International Medical Corps UAE will play a critical role as a collaborator with relevant stakeholders by working closely with host government agencies and partnering with local non-government organizations to strengthen relief and health care infrastructure at all levels.
“We are pleased to announce our expansion and are grateful for the support of Shaima Al Zarooni, the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai International Humanitarian City. We look upon Dubai as a strategic hub that bridges humanity by connecting the East and the West,” said Mr. Kevin Noone, Executive Director, International Medical Corps UK. “Our mission at International Medical Corps UAE is aligned with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein to transform Dubai into a world class humanitarian hub for the MENA region, while extending support to Africa and Asia. Through strategic partnerships with public and private sector groups, we will provide unparalleled logistical and infrastructure support to the region’s humanitarian community. We aim to build strategic partnerships locally and regionally as we create the infrastructure to support our robust team.”
Commenting on the impact of International Medical Corps’ presence in the MENA region, Mr. Rabih Torbay, Vice President of International Operations for International Medical Corps, said, “Our critical regional hub in the UAE lays the foundation for strategic partnerships to deliver lifesaving relief to a wide region more efficiently and effectively. It will enhance our ability to rapidly respond to escalating humanitarian concerns and deliver humanitarian supplies and services as we build the capacity of national first responders with the objective of leaving behind a more functional, resilient system.”
With a staff of more than 4,500 worldwide, International Medical Corps works alongside local communities in hard-hit, conflict areas to ensure that those affected receive both the tools and the skills needed to become their own First Responders. With 96 per cent of field-based staff and health professionals recruited locally, the organization works to ensure that the knowledge required to respond effectively to an emergency remains anchored in the community long after its programs have ended. International Medical Corps’ strength lies in its ability to mobilize hundreds of volunteers drawn from its global list of health and medical professionals worldwide.
As a participant at Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition 2014 (DIHAD), International Medical Corps will join a range of humanitarian actors to showcase its latest accomplishments on women and aid. It will aim to foster effective partnerships to strengthen humanitarian and social responsibility efforts. Mr. Kevin Noone, Executive Director of International Medical Corps-UK, Mr. Ramadan Assi, International Medical Corps Country Director, and Caroline Abla, Director of Nutrition and Food Security will be present at DIHAD 2014.
Over the years, International Medical Corps has responded to the world’s most devastating man-made and natural disasters. More recently, International Medical Corps was a first responder after the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, the cyclone in Myanmar in 2008, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Most recently International Medical Corps responded to Cyclone Phailin in India and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, as well as to humanitarian crises in South Sudan in 2014 and the Central African Republic in 2013/14.