The Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora together with the movement “We Are Together” organized the delivery of humanitarian medical aid to Abkhazia to fight against coronavirus.

Humanitarian medical cargo to fight COVID-19 was delivered to Abkhazia by the forces of the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora (MAD) and the “We Are Together” movement.  Humanitarian aid includes 21 mechanical ventilation devices and supplies, pulse oximeters, non-contact thermometers, personal protective equipment for medical staff - protective suits, goggles, respiratory medical masks, and medical supplies.

Beslan Shakaya, head of the Abkhazia’s Assistance Headquarters at the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora to prevent and combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, noted that such significant assistance to Abkhazia was managed despite the generally difficult conditions during the pandemic. The organization of humanitarian assistance was made possible thanks to funds received from compatriots and from the movement “We Are Together.”

“It should be noted the well-coordinated and efficient work of our Headquarters team in Moscow, the movement “We Are Together” and the Association of Physicians of Abkhazia in Moscow, which 24 hours a day searched for highly scarce and very demanded medical equipment for Abkhazia throughout Russia and abroad, in close cooperation and interaction with the Ministry of Health of Abkhazia. I am sincerely grateful to everyone for such wonderful work and responsiveness,” said Shakaya.

He added that the purchased equipment and materials are sent to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Abkhazia on the basis of the list approved by it. The Ministry of Health of the Republic will further distribute humanitarian aid to medical institutions of Abkhazia. Information on the distribution of humanitarian aid will be published on the website of the Ministry and on the website of the MAD.

The costs of logistics and customs procedures were incurred by the Headquarters of assistance to Abkhazia to prevent and combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus at the MAD.
“Invaluable assistance was also provided by the transportation company “Abaza Trans”, which covered the costs of its delivery. We express our special gratitude to “Abaza Trans” for the provided free assistance and contribution to the common struggle,” the head of the Headquarters said.

He noted that the total cost of all equipment, materials and medicines purchased for the funds collected by the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora and the “We Are Together” movement totaled 39 751 276 rubles, of which donations from the MAD amounted to 6 658 349 96 rubles.

In total, the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora raised 8 036 500 rubles for the fight against coronavirus in Abkhazia, said Shakaya.

“Procurement is ongoing. We will inform you about further steps in an on-line mode and provide updated information on the MAD website and in social networks,” said the head of the headquarters at the MAD.

In turn, the Deputy Head of the Operational Headquarters for COVID-19 in Abkhazia Alkhas Kondzharia expressed his gratitude to the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora and the movement “We are together.”

“Our businessmen and our compatriots from Moscow from the first days stood by our side. Today we received a very important cargo. We understand that in modern realities, the complexity lies also in the delivery of goods. Thanks to our businessmen and the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora, all difficulties were removed, and a large batch of humanitarian medical aid is already in Abkhazia.  Thanks a lot!”  said Alkhas Kondzharia.

He added that the Ministry of Health will determine the load depending on the needs and requirements of medical facilities. According to him, hospitals specially refurbished for the treatment of patients with coronavirus infection are in priority.

The charity movement “We are Together” and representatives of the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora, newly created by Abkhaz entrepreneurs, announced a fundraiser to help Abkhazia fight the new disease and protect the population of Abkhazia.  To date, nearly 55 million rubles have been raised.

For everyone who wants to help Abkhazia in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, there is an opportunity to contribute to the bank details of the Moscow Abkhaz Diaspora or “We are together” movement from the territories of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation, as well as to the details of the “World Abaza Congress” from the territory of the Republic of Turkey, or  make an online donation on the Congress website.  All funds received will be used to protect the life and health of residents of Abkhazia from coronavirus infection COVID-19.