Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has announced the successful completion of several humanitarian projects aimed at supporting Sudanese refugees in Chad, executed in collaboration with the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The initiatives were designed to improve access to clean water, healthcare, and infrastructure, thereby enhancing living conditions for both the refugees and the host community in eastern Chad.
According to Emirates News Agency, the projects were implemented with the support of MBRGI, enabling the UNHCR to assist Sudanese refugees in Chad who have faced challenging conditions after being displaced from their homes. The projects successfully met their objectives, providing essential services to over 131,000 Sudanese refugees and members of the host community.
The humanitarian efforts included the drilling of 10 wells in refugee camps in eastern Chad, each with an average capacity of 975 cubic metres per day of potable water, benefiting 65,000 individuals. Additionally, a fully equipped health clinic was established in the Arkom refugee settlement, featuring 13 rooms, two shaded waiting areas, a solar power system, a waste management incinerator, and necessary medical equipment and supplies. The clinic is set to provide healthcare services to more than 66,000 people, including 40,000 Sudanese refugees and 26,000 host community members.
Saeed Al Eter, Assistant Secretary-General of the MBRGI, stated that the completion of these projects reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations and its determination to fund UNHCR’s humanitarian efforts. He highlighted the ongoing partnership with UNHCR as a testament to their shared commitment to addressing the urgent needs of refugees and displaced individuals.
Dr. Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative in the GCC countries, emphasized the importance of these integrated projects in Chad for helping Sudanese refugees rebuild their lives. He noted the critical situation in Chad and expressed gratitude for MBRGI’s support, which enables a swift response to the needs of both refugees and host communities.
Since 2021, MBRGI has expanded its partnership with UNHCR, becoming one of its leading contributors. By the end of 2024, MBRGI had provided AED136 million (US$37 million), benefiting over 750,000 refugees, displaced persons, and host community members across Asia and Africa. In January of this year, MBRGI pledged an additional AED36.7 million (US$10 million) to support sustainable programs through UNHCR, bringing its total commitments since 2021 to AED172.7 million (around US$47 million).
Launched in 2015, MBRGI is the region’s largest foundation dedicated to humanitarian efforts, focusing on humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, innovation, and community empowerment. Operating in over 118 countries, the Foundation aims to deliver effective solutions to pressing humanitarian and developmental challenges, prioritizing investment in human capital and fostering a culture of hope.
