Coronavirus: national campaign delivers essential aid to thousands of UAE workers

More than 7,000 boxes containing face masks, sanitisers, food and Sim cards have been distributed across the Emirates

Authorities have delivered boxes full of essentials to workers across the country in recent weeks. Victor Besa/The National

A nationwide initiative has helped workers stay safe and keep in touch with loved ones during Ramadan.

More than 7,000 aid boxes - containing essentials such as face masks, sanitisers, food along with Sim cards with calling credit - have been delivered since the Be Well campaign was launched on May 1 to coincide with International Labour Day.

The humanitarian scheme was organised by the National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing (NPHW) in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Emirates Red Crescent and telecommunications firm, du.

Members of the public have been able to pledge their support by donating Dh50 to the Emirates Red Crescent to help pay for one of the boxes to be filled with 44 items.

Aziz Al Ameri, head of the NPHW, said that they hoped to distribute more than 10,000 boxes before the holy month draws to an end this week.

"The donations we have received so far show the solidarity of the community and is a reflection of their giving nature," he said,