“Addressing today’s health and humanitarian challenges requires stronger collaboration among government institutions, and partners,” H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, FDRE Minister of Health
The United Kingdom, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has donated 28 trucks and humanitarian equipment worth £5.4 million to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) to strengthen its emergency response and humanitarian operations across Ethiopia.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, ERCS Secretary General Ato Abera Lulessa stated that the event represented more than the transfer of vehicles and equipment; it symbolized solidarity, partnership, and a shared commitment to saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and reducing suffering throughout the country.
He noted that through the EC2R Project, the partnership between ERCS and the FCDO has brought meaningful, life-saving support to communities in the Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions.
ERCS President Ato Abera Tola highlighted the longstanding relationship between the people of Ethiopia and the United Kingdom, describing it as a bond built on mutual respect, shared humanity, and standing together during difficult times.
“Across decades of humanitarian crises, droughts, conflict, and public health emergencies, the British people have consistently stood beside the people of Ethiopia — not only with words of sympathy, but with meaningful action, compassion, and partnership,” he said.
H.E. Darren Welch, UK Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, emphasized that the occasion was more than a simple transfer of assets; it was a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between the United Kingdom and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, as well as their shared commitment to supporting communities in times of need.
“We come together to support those in times of need, and we believe in the great work you do every day across this country,” Ambassador Welch stated.
H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health and guest of honor at the ceremony, noted that the donation goes beyond humanitarian support by strengthening resilient and reliable services for communities. She reaffirmed the Government of Ethiopia’s commitment to building strong and sustainable partnerships.
Dr. Mekdes emphasized that addressing today’s health and humanitarian challenges requires stronger collaboration among government institutions, partners, and communities, adding that the Ministry of Health highly values such partnerships.
“We will continue to collaborate with and support partners working alongside the Ethiopian Red Cross Society to strengthen the health system, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian response efforts — a partnership built on a shared vision,” she said.
Ato Aydrus Hassen, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC), noted that the support would strengthen coordination and emergency response mechanisms at both national and regional levels by improving mobility, preparedness, and response capacity during crises.
“This support will contribute to saving lives, reducing human suffering, and protecting livelihoods by ensuring that assistance reaches vulnerable populations in a timely and effective manner,” he added.
During the formal handover ceremony held today in Addis Ababa, H.E. Darren Welch officially transferred the FCDO-donated assets to ERCS President Ato Abera Tola.
Since its launch in August 2023, the EC2R Project, with a cost of over 20 Billion Birr, has enabled ERCS and the FCDO to reach more than 1.2 million people across four regions of Ethiopia with life-saving assistance and resilience-building support.
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