Airlink, Ethiopian Airlines partner to curb spread of Covid-19 in Ugandan refugee settlement

May 15, 2020: As part of its mission to mobilise the aviation industry in times of crisis, Airlink recently partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to transport hygiene kits to Uganda in hopes of preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the Bidi Bidi refugee settlement.

The eight tonnes shipment was transported free-of-charge for Medical Teams International, a nonprofit organisation focused on restoring health in crisis-stricken communities, who will be distributing the supplies to refugees.

The settlement in northwestern Uganda is occupied by more than a quarter of a million people fleeing South Sudan’s civil war.

“Every challenge we face in the United States in the fight against Covid-19 is multiplied for people living in refugee camps,” said Corbin Walker, Medical Team International’s humanitarian logistics advisor. “We can wash our hands and wipe down our groceries. We can use hand sanitizer after touching a surface. For the world’s most vulnerable, there is little clean water for washing hands. There is no soap and no hand sanitiser. Thanks to Airlink, Medical Teams is able to provide hygiene kits to refugees in Uganda – helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”

Through Airlink, more than 130 aid organisations are able to quickly and efficiently provide medical aid, food, access to clean water, shelter, and other assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable beneficiaries. Airlink has transported more than 77,000 pounds of aid in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.