Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed on Monday a joint executive program to support life-saving emergency health services in Syria’s Idlib, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama.
Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
The program seeks to strengthen access to healthcare and boost the quality of primary and specialized medical services through KSrelief’s support for 70 health facilities.
It includes covering staff salaries, operating costs, and the provision of medicines and medical supplies, such as dialysis sessions.
The initiative is expected to benefit 1.5 million people by ensuring the delivery of integrated and safe healthcare services in affected areas.
Separately, Dr. Al Rabeeah underlined on Monday Saudi Arabia's efforts to eradicate polio.
Speaking at a side event at the General Assembly. he highlighted the Kingdom's $500 million contribution through KSrelief to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to this vital mission.
The Kingdom has remained polio-free for the past 30 years, he noted. KSrelief has implemented more than 3,000 health projects worldwide, delivering positive results in strengthening local health systems, empowering women leaders in the health sector, and fostering community trust.
He emphasized the importance of fieldwork, including delivering vaccines to remote areas, supporting clinics in conflict zones, and training healthcare workers.
Dr. Al Rabeeah stressed that Saudi Arabia is committed not only to financial support, but also to providing technical and operational expertise through KSrelief to ensure the eradication of polio and safeguard every child.
