Society receives vehicles worth more than Birr 70 million
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has received 39 ambulances and other light vehicles worth more than Birr 70 million from the International Committee of the Red Cross (18 ambulances and 17 light vehicles), as well as the Netherlands (2 light vehicles) and Austrian Red Crosses (2 ambulances). In addition to the 35 vehicles, the Society has received a support of 25 generators from the ICRC.
Secretary General of ERCS, Getachew Ta’a, said during the handover, the vehicles and generators that have been given to us will help to move one step forward in the humanitarian services we provide to our community and will strengthen us even more. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the support given to us on behalf of our beneficiaries.”
In his speech, Getachew urged all those bodies to refrain from attacking Red Cross ambulances as well as misusing the Red Cross emblem, as they are creating an obstacle to the independent, impartial and neutral humanitarian services of the Society.
Nicolas Von Arx, Head of the ICRC Ethiopia Delegation, on his part said that today’s support will make a big contribution to reach those in need of humanitarian assistance quickly. He affirmed that the Committee will work in cooperation with the Society in all humanitarian aspects.
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society is currently providing ambulance services to more than 400,000 people annually in 256 stations with 400 ambulances. The current support will increase the ambulance service of the Society. The generators along with the vehicles will soon be distributed to the regions.