ICRC Praises Egypt's Efforts to Confront COVID-19 Pandemic

Jerome Fontana, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Cairo, expressed his appreciation for the great efforts done by the Ministry of Health and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his speech before the "Human Rights ... Building a Post-Pandemic World" conference hosted in Cairo, Fontana pointed out that many war zones, foremost of which Syria and Yemen are still facing enormous challenges, in light of their fighting against the pandemic.

"The wars have negatively affected the health care systems in those countries," he continued, pointing out that the ICRC in Syria has carried out its largest operation in the world, by distributing all medical supplies to internally displaced communities, as well as providing assistance to prisoners, within the framework of precautionary measure to prevent infections.

Moreover, added that the ICRC had established a medical center in Aden city, Yemen to provide free COVID-19 treatment, in cooperation with its partners.

ICRC Head also stressed that Egypt is one of the most unique and distinct countries in dealing with the pandemic, saying, "The Egyptian authorities managed to confront the COVID-19 pandemic with determination, and strong will."

In addition, Fontana underlined the need for a fair and comprehensive distribution of the vaccine among the most vulnerable groups, "If everyone does not get the vaccine, we will not be able to live safely."