Volga-Dnepr Group, HLA strengthen humanitarian connections

The MoU will serve to advance the joint thought leadership activities in the humanitarian sector and will support learning and knowledge sharing, especially for healthcare delivery.

"Volga-Dnepr Group offers the services of its dedicated fleet of over 40 freighters, along with integrated logistics solutions for the sensitive and sophisticated cargo required for delivering crucial humanitarian aid, such as vaccines, medicines, PPE, and medical equipment, " an official statement said.

HLA has invited Yulia Celetaria, Global Healthcare Director and Pauli Immonen, Deputy Director Healthcare, Humanitarian and Emergency Response, Volga-Dnepr Group to join its Advisory Group. The appointments will allow the Volga-Dnepr Group and the HLA establish a clear basis of collaboration and learning that recognises the importance of air freight supply chains in humanitarian contexts and in situations of crisis.

"Rapid response is an integral part of humanitarian logistics whilst healthcare supply chains are more so characterised by effective capacity management, special handling procedures, stringent standards and risk assessments," says Yulia Celetaria, Global Healthcare Director, Volga-Dnepr Group. "2020 has changed the way we treat these two sectors by bringing them closer to each other, and our goal right now is to align them effectively. With the help of leading associations like the HLA, we are building a global community to advance life-saving logistics through knowledge-sharing, regular training and great networking opportunities.."

George Fenton, Chief Executive, HLA, added: 'Over the past two decades, and especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, humanitarian logistics, and supply chain management more broadly, has become a key component of health and humanitarian assistance. Logisticians face many challenges due to the frequency, intensity, and impact of emergencies, but also because cross-sector connections for the profession have been limited. However, there is increasing opportunity to build on synergies that have emerged during the pandemic, and we are incredibly pleased that the Volga-Dnepr Group has recognised the opportunity to collaborate with HLA to support the evolution of the health and humanitarian logistics sector."

Volga-Dnepr has been collaborating with HLA since 2019 when the Association took part in a dedicated humanitarian event in Leipzig along with other experts to advance and promote best practices for stakeholders involved in emergency logistics.