DUSHANBE, 22.12.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) presented the medical supplies which will be provided to hospitals to aid Afghan refugees and asylum seekers in Tajikistan.

The medical aid package includes 60 types of drugs, antidepressants, suture materials, syringes with various drugs, elastic bandages, protective helmets, X-ray protection materials, blood collection kits, among other things.

RCST’s effort was supported by the American Fund “Americares” through the Avasto Public Benevolent Organization (PBO). The items are valued at more than $1.25 million.

The items will be distributed by the RCST to certain hospitals beginning in January 2022.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan (PDPT), Goodwill Ambassador for Breast Cancer Khayriniso Yusufi, Secretary General of the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan Bahodur Kurboniyon, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar, Deputy Chairman of Avasto PBO Hilola Kahhorova, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population, media, and RCST staff.

Yusufi spoke about the ties of kinship, culture, and language between the Tajik and Afghan people, and commended the implementation of this initiative.

“The steps taken by the RCST to support those in need, including refugees and asylum seekers, are a sign of support and commitment to the policies pursued by the top leadership of the government, including President Emomali Rahmon,” she said.

Kurboniyon noted that Tajikistan is attentive to the problems in Afghanistan and the issue of assistance to Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.

“President Emomali Rahmon considers it important for the international community to provide targeted humanitarian assistance to the suffering people of Afghanistan,” noted Kurbonion.

Kurboniyon thanked Avasto PBO for this assistance and said that they will continue to implement similar initiatives in cooperation with RCST’s partners.

Ambassador Aghbar expressed his gratitude to the government of Tajikistan, in particular President Emomali Rahmon and the RCST for their assistance to the Afghan refugees and asylum seekers currently residing in Tajikistan.