Combating Covid-19: Dubai-based philanthropist Hussain Dawood donates Dh22 million to help fight virus

As Pakistan steps up its fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), Dubai's resident philanthropist, Hussain Dawood, has pledged a contribution in services, kind and cash of Dh22 million on behalf of his family and the flagship entities of Dawood Hercules Group (DH Group) of which he is chairman, including Dawood Hercules Corporation, Engro Corporation, The Dawood Foundation and Karachi School of Business & Leadership.
Commenting on the donation Mr. Dawood said: "We as a family and as a Group are committed to playing our part in helping solve the most pressing issues of our time and are donating to Pakistan to help the country overcome this pandemic. I pray that this aids the relief efforts and helps to reverse the tide of this pandemic."
The funds will be allocated by DH Group to help both government and non-governmental organisations in Pakistan, including private initiatives, with their relief efforts, focusing on reducing the spread and impact of the virus. Areas earmarked for the funds include:
>Disease prevention, with a major focus on testing and diagnostics;
>Protecting and enabling healthcare practitioners and other key workers, who are at the frontline of the fight against this pandemic;
>Enabling patient care and facilities; and,
>Bolstering the livelihoods and sustenance of society's most vulnerable
Mr Dawood added: "This global pandemic has exposed many areas of improvement, but also shined a light on the generosity and altruism of our fellow human beings, particularly healthcare workers across the world. In the UAE and Pakistan specifically, the nations' valued healthcare practitioners are risking their lives to ensure Covid-19 patients are getting the right care. In Pakistan, the country's lockdown is impacting society's most vulnerable and those who rely on a daily wage to feed themselves and their families. We are determined to play our part in supporting Pakistan in its fight against the pandemic."
Mr Dawood focuses on his philanthropic activities in education and has supported many education and humanitarian associations. He has been a resident in Dubai since 2017 and is a member of the University Leadership Council (ULC) under the chairmanship of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
Besides The Dawood Foundation, he is at the helm of the Dawood Hercules Group which is a diversified conglomerate and consists of Dawood Hercules Corporation, Engro Corporation, Karachi School of Business & Leadership and many more organisations.
Mr Dawood has also made valuable contributions as the chairman of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). He has also served on the board of London and Asia House, London.
He is an active member of the World Economic Forum since 1992.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com 

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