WFP, Ethiopia Open Air Hub for COVID-19 Response

Addis ababa, April 14/2020(ENA) Ethiopia and the World Food Program (WFP) have opened a new hub at Bole International Airport from which COVID-19 supplies, equipment and humanitarian workers will be transported across Ethiopia and Africa. 

The Addis Ababa Humanitarian Air Hub is part of a United Nations initiative move to scale up procurement and distribution of protective equipment and medical supplies for the COVID-19 response.

With guidance and support from the Government of Ethiopia, WFP set up the hub in Addis Ababa and began operations this week, according to a press release of the World Food Program.

Finance State Minister Admasu Nebebe said “the Government of Ethiopia is proud to host this hub in Ethiopia on behalf of the global community. We are honored to be contributing this way to the global endeavor to tackle the coronavirus disease.”

The first cargo flight arrived in Ethiopia yesterday from the United Arab Emirates loaded with aprons, face shields, gloves, goggles, gowns, masks and thermometers procured by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) for distribution to 32 African countries.

WFP Country Director and Representative Steven Were Omamo said, “Thanks to the Government of Ethiopia, WFP worked with airport and customs authorities to establish this air hub in days. Ethiopia has proven its willingness and agility to act as a regional care giver in this time of crisis.”   

A team of 25 WFP aviation and logistics staff are based at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, managing the 24-hour operation, it was learned.

They organize warehouse space for dry bulk, temperature-controlled and cold storage cargo and its onward flights. 

WFP also provides dedicated cargo tracking, warehouse management and customer service  for countries across Africa in collaboration with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Catherine Sozi noted that “this partnership between the Government of Ethiopia, WFP and WHO is aligned with the vision of the United Nations in Ethiopia and highlights the value of collaboration in responding to the needs of millions of people.”

Following further discussions with the Government of Ethiopia, WFP is planning to organize and process flights for humanitarian personnel through the Addis Ababa hub as well as medical evacuations, it was also learned.

As part of a global appeal to raise 2 billion USD for the COVID-19 response, launched by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on 25 March, WFP is calling for 350 million USD to support vital common aviation, shipping, storage and transport and engineering services in areas affected by the pandemic.