New Health Agreements Address Crises in Yemen and Sudan
Riyadh, February 25, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) have announced a series of critical health interventions aimed at combating cholera and malaria in Yemen, providing essential health services for Sudanese refugees in Egypt, and advancing global polio eradication efforts. These agreements were formalized during the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, which took place on February 24-25.
Strengthening Health Initiatives in Yemen
During the forum, WHO and KSrelief finalized two significant pledges to enhance health services in Yemen. The first agreement, valued at US$12 million, focuses on malaria prevention and control measures. This initiative aims to reduce the incidence of malaria, a disease that poses a severe threat to public health in the region. The second pledge, amounting to US$2.1 million, seeks to expand cholera response efforts and improve access to treatment in areas heavily impacted by the disease.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “WHO greatly values our partnership with KSrelief and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is helping provide critical health support to millions of people impacted by war, disease, and displacement.” He highlighted the urgent need for sustained international support to address the humanitarian crises affecting millions globally.
Support for Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
In addition to the initiatives in Yemen, KSrelief has committed US$3.6 million to provide dialysis treatment for Sudanese refugees in Egypt. This agreement addresses the urgent health needs of individuals who have fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises in the world. The collaboration with WHO Egypt aims to ensure that these vulnerable populations receive the necessary medical care and support.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director, praised KSrelief’s ongoing efforts, stating, “KSrelief has been an invaluable partner for WHO, supporting millions in Yemen, the occupied Palestinian territory, Syria, and beyond.” She reiterated the importance of continued health support in a region facing some of the most severe humanitarian challenges.
Global Commitment to Polio Eradication
At the forum, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) by pledging US$500 million. This funding will be directed towards accelerating efforts to eliminate wild poliovirus in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as addressing variant polio outbreaks. The commitment underscores the urgency of eradicating polio, particularly in regions where the virus remains endemic.
The Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum serves as a vital platform for discussing humanitarian issues and fostering collaboration among global partners. This year’s event coincided with the 10th anniversary of KSrelief and featured high-level discussions on conflict, disaster response, and humanitarian aid delivery, reflecting the escalating global crises that demand immediate attention and action.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.