Saudi Arabia Invests $39.114 Million To Combat Polio And Improve Public Health In Needy Nations

Saudi Arabia prioritises healthcare in less developed nations, recognising its vital role in improving public health and supporting healthcare organisations. The Kingdom has initiated 15 projects worth $39.114 million to combat polio in needy countries. Ten of these projects, costing $11.314 million, were executed in Palestine, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Pakistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Guinea through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).

In May, Saudi Arabia pledged over $600 million to protect 370 million children annually from polio and alleviate poverty across 33 Islamic Development Bank member countries. This effort was in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Of this amount, $500 million is designated for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative over five years to supply vaccines in severely affected regions.

The Kingdom has also focused on combating measles and polio by contributing $57.67 million through UNICEF, WHO, and GAVI. Additionally, it has implemented eradication projects valued at $15 million in various countries. KSrelief executed projects worth $11.14 million as part of these efforts.

In 2016, KSrelief responded to Palestinian health needs by providing 15,000 doses each of meningitis and polio vaccines to their Ministry of Health. This initiative highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to addressing urgent healthcare requirements globally.

Saudi Arabia actively participates in World Polio Day on October 24 through KSrelief. This involvement aims to support global efforts to eradicate polio permanently and mitigate its severe effects on individuals and communities while raising awareness about its health risks.

The Kingdom's dedication to eradicating diseases like polio underscores its broader commitment to enhancing global health standards and supporting vulnerable populations worldwide.

With inputs from SPA