Humanitarians of the EMR: meet the heroes powering our emergency response
My name is Dr Fares Kady, and I currently serve as the head of the WHO sub-office in Aleppo, Syria. My journey began in the last century – when I volunteered with the Red Cross/Red Crescent in 1998 – then on to the international NGO field. I joined WHO in 2013.
Two decades of experience in humanitarian work taught me that good intentions alone are not enough; they must be followed by action and commitment. Once we assess the needs and recognize the gaps, it becomes our duty to bridge the divide between intent and impact and translate intention into tangible efforts. A harmonious combination between idealism and practicality is the key.
I am a strong believer in people’s capabilities and potential. With the right opportunity and support, the experience of others can be built, holding paramount importance in our humanitarian work. I call it “team’s captain” style, fostering mutual confidence instead of adopting a traditional boss role. This approach necessitates being actively present in the field, working collaboratively, stepping in for each other when necessary, and celebrating collective victories.
Humanitarian work is like walking a tightrope, requiring lots of talent and courage, with the constant challenge of balancing responsibilities. During my frontline duties and response to emergencies, I faced deeply emotional moments: my father passed away while I was engaged in an evacuation mission in 2016; I was responding in an IDP camp hundreds of kilometers away when my wife