Libya: ICRC medical supplies for Libya leaves Geneva airport

In response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya, two cargo planes have been loaded with 16 tonnes of medical supplies, including surgical equipment, dressing kits and drugs. The planes are due to take off from Geneva, Switzerland, late Friday night (25 February), one bound for Cairo, the other for Tunis. The ICRC plans to move these supplies into Libya by road as quickly as possible to treat those injured by the violence of recent days.

"It's very important, given the reports that we are receiving from Libya about the situation, in particular the need for medical supplies, and the need for injured people to be treated as soon as possible," said ICRC spokesman, Stephen Anderson.

Meanwhile, two emergency teams made up of ICRC, Norwegian and Finnish Red Cross medical staff are waiting in Egypt and Tunisia to enter Libya as soon as they get clearance from the authorities. Each team includes two surgeons, two nurses, an anaesthetist and other humanitarian specialists. They will be helping Libyan health staff to treat the wounded. The Libyan Red Crescent is providing blood supplies to hospitals inside the country, assessing the situation and paving the way for the ICRC to gain access to those in need.

Geneva (ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has launched a preliminary emergency appeal for 6 million Swiss francs ($6.4 million USD / €4.7 million) to meet the emergency needs of people affected by the violent unrest in Libya. This initial appeal is intended to ensure adequate surgical and medical care for the wounded and emergency aid for people who have fled from Libya into neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt.

B-Roll video of the departing planes along with the Shotlist is available to preview and download.