COVID-19: UN launches aid flights to vulnerable developing nations

A worker prepares to load medical supplies in a cargo aircraft chartered by the UN World Food Program to help developing countries hit by the coronavirus outbreak, at Liege airport, Belgium. REUTERS/Francois LenoirLIEGE, Belgium: The UN World Food Program on Thursday sent a first plane loaded with medical supplies for developing nations especially vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic, aiming to ramp up the service to 350 flights per month.

A worker prepares to load medical supplies in a cargo aircraft chartered by the UN World Food Program to help developing countries hit by the coronavirus outbreak. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir "Today to find cargo planes is nightmarish. Prices have gone up by four or five times," said Amer Daoudi, WFP's COVID-19 corporate response director."You also might not get it today or the day after or for a week."So WFP, which serves as the logistics arm of the UN system, has locked in contracts for an extended time to ensure its flights operate and do so at a reasonable cost.

Daoudi envisages the flights will run for about three to four months, but could be extended. The airlift would be stood down if viable commercial alternatives returned.

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

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