29 May 2024, Aden, Yemen – Nearly US$ 9.5 million in funding has been secured for critical health projects in Yemen – a pivotal step in strengthening the country’s health system. WHO signed the significant agreement with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) at the opening of the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
The projects funded under the agreement will target 12.6 million people in Yemen across various governorates. Projects will focus on improving access to safe water, preventing the spread of infectious diseases and enhancing the health system’s capacity to respond to outbreaks. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates and enhance the overall resilience of Yemen’s health infrastructure.
The agreement reflects the ongoing commitment by WHO and KSrelief to address Yemen’s pressing health needs. It was signed by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and His Excellency Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, in the presence of Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
“This agreement signifies a strong partnership and a shared vision for a healthier future for Yemen,” said Dr Arturo Pesigan, WHO Representative to Yemen. “The funding from KSrelief will be invaluable in strengthening our efforts in water, sanitation and hygiene services; acute watery diarrhea response; and measles surveillance and response. This funding will make a substantial difference to the lives of those people most in need.”
Mr. Saleh Al-Theebani, Director of KSrelief's Aden branch, appreciated the partnership between KSrelief and WHO aimed at providing life-saving interventions for the Yemeni people. He emphasized that this new funding is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing support to alleviate suffering and ensure access to essential health services across the country
KSrelief has been a steadfast supporter of Yemen for years, providing vital resources and expertise to address the country’s health challenges. Through its cumulative contribution of US$ 320 million to WHO, KSrelief has played a key role in supporting humanitarian and health response operations in Yemen.
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About WHO
Since 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all, so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, direct and coordinate the world’s responses to health emergencies and connect nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
About KSrelief
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) is a humanitarian aid organization established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. KSrelief is dedicated to coordinating and providing international relief to alleviate suffering and provide essential services to those in need.
