Saudi Arabia Commemorates World Humanitarian Day With Over $141 Billion In Global Aid Initiatives

Saudi Arabia commemorates World Humanitarian Day on August 19, highlighting its extensive global aid efforts. The Kingdom has contributed over $141 billion through 7,983 initiatives in 173 countries. This commitment positions Saudi Arabia as a leading donor worldwide. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) spearheads these efforts, executing 3,612 projects worth more than $8.141 billion across 108 nations.

KSrelief plays a crucial role in addressing international crises. In the Gaza Strip, it established air and sea bridges to deliver over 7,180 tons of aid and provided 20 ambulances to the Palestinian Red Crescent. Agreements for relief projects valued at $90.35 million were signed, and airdrop operations were conducted with Jordan to bypass closed border crossings.

Syria has also received significant support from KSrelief through air and land bridges delivering essential supplies. The Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians mobilized over 3,000 volunteers for 104 campaigns, contributing 218,500 hours in fields like medicine and education.

In response to the February 2023 earthquake affecting Syria and Türkiye, KSrelief operated an air bridge to provide medical, shelter, and food aid to those impacted in both countries. These efforts underscore Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing timely assistance during natural disasters.

Yemen benefits from several influential programs by KSrelief. The Masam project has removed over 500,000 landmines. A prosthetic limbs program supports the injured, while another initiative rehabilitates children affected by conflict, offering psychological and social support to them and their families.

Medical Initiatives and Global Recognition

The Kingdom is renowned for its specialized medical initiatives globally. The Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme stands out with 66 complex separation surgeries performed free of charge. It has studied 150 cases from 27 countries. This program exemplifies Saudi Arabia's dedication to life-changing medical care.

The United Nations designated November 24 as World Conjoined Twins Day at the Kingdom's initiative to raise awareness and celebrate achievements in this field.

Digital Platforms for Charitable Work

Saudi Arabia has developed digital platforms to facilitate widespread participation in charitable work. The "Sahem" online donation portal raised over $1.605 billion from nearly 8.5 million donors, supporting KSrelief's global programs.

The Saudi portal for external volunteering engaged over 80,000 volunteers in 991 programs across 55 countries. These initiatives include completing 236,000 free surgeries worldwide.

As World Humanitarian Day is observed globally, Saudi Arabia's contributions through KSrelief highlight its unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid without borders. These efforts bring hope to those affected by crises worldwide.

With inputs from SPA