Sudan: Taking to the sky to save lives
Berutawit Mekuria describes what it means to work as an Aviation Officer with the WFP-managed United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.
By Leni Kinzli
Berutawit Mekuria’s office is a hot and remote airfield in the state of South Darfur in Sudan. Checking in passengers, handling cargo, inspecting flight plans, and dispatching aircraft is all in a day’s work for this Aviation Officer from the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS).
UNHAS, which is managed by the World Food Programme (WFP), offers safe, reliable, cost-efficient, and effective passenger and light cargo transport for the humanitarian community to and from areas of crisis and intervention where no safe or viable commercial land or air options are available.
In a country where an estimated 10.9 million people are in need of food or livelihoods support, Berutawit is one of 104 UNHAS personnel playing a crucial role in ensuring that humanitarian workers and humanitarian cargo reach those most in need.
“We plan and coordinate with absolute precision to operate reliable, effective and efficient flights while prioritizing the safety of our passengers,” says Berutawit.
As a seasoned aviation professional with over 15 years of experience she feels a sense of pride in working with UNHAS.
“It is not just a job; it is a calling. I’m honored to dedicate my skills and experience to support the humanitarian response in Sudan and to help save lives,” she says.
But her work is not without its challenges. Emergency response is full of unexpected scenarios requiring swift action and creative solutions to ensure millions of vulnerable people continue to receive the support they need.
“In a humanitarian response, timeliness is critical to ensure there are no delays in providing urgent assistance to vulnerable people,” she says.
As a woman working in a male-dominated field, Berutawit’s work as an Aviation Officer gives her a unique perspective.
“I am proud to be a woman in a field where there are so few of us,” she says.
“If my work or abilities are ever underestimated, I get a sense of satisfaction when I prove others wrong.”
She is motivated by the thought of the impact her work has on vulnerable communities across the Darfur region and beyond.
“UNHAS helps ensure that people in need get help when disasters strike,” she says. “Saving lives and knowing that what we do is making a difference to vulnerable people is most important for me.”
In 2021, UNHAS reached 38 destinations in Sudan, transported more than 21,000 passengers from 95 different organizations, and delivered over 58 metric tons of humanitarian cargo, including vaccines and protective equipment for the COVID-19 response.
UNHAS operations in Sudan were made possible in 2021 thanks to generous contributions from Canada, European Union Humanitarian Aid, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and USA.
