NGO IsraAID launches response efforts to combat coronavirus
The Israeli humanitarian non-governmental organization, sent shipments of medical supplies on the final flight from Tel Aviv to China.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFPeople wearing face masks walk past luxury boutiques in the Sanlitun shopping district in Beijing, China, as the country is hit by an outbreak of the new coronavirus, January 25, 2020(photo credit: REUTERS/THOMAS PETER)
The Israeli humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) IsraAID, in partnership with the Israel-China Chamber of Commerce and David Ashkenazi of ICCB Capital, sent shipments of medical supplies on the final flight from Tel Aviv to China, which departed on Monday.There have been more than 20,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus around the world, along with 360 deaths. Transportation to China has been halted by numerous countries due to fears of contagion, leading to severe shortages in medical supplies and protective gear, especially in Wuhan, the region most affected by the virus.The contribution by IsraAID will be sent to the Chinese Ministry of Health. The NGO is also looking into providing additional support in the area of mental health for humanitarian aid workers and first responders.IsraAid has been at the forefront of responses to epidemics and other health-related disasters around the world, such as providing mental health support to aid workers managing the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone, and helping those affected by the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in Japan in 2011.IsraAID CEO Yotam Polizer noted that, "we are all very concerned about the spread of coronavirus, and we are grateful for all the courageous work done by Chinese medical teams. It’s important for us to do our part by sending relief supplies and sharing our expertise in the field of stress management and trauma reduction.”Amir Gal-Or, honorary president of the Israel Chamber of Commerce in China, also commented on the shipment, saying “this moment is just a small string added to the long history and foreseen future of two civilizations.”
