RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has implemented 15 projects totaling $39.114 million as part of its commitment to combating polio in less developed countries. Ten of these projects were executed in nations such as Palestine, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Pakistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Guinea, with an investment of $11.314 million through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). The Kingdom places great importance on enhancing the healthcare sector in these regions, recognizing its essential role in improving public health, developing healthcare organizations, and providing life-saving medical services to millions worldwide. Saudi Arabia provided over $600 million to protect 370 million children annually from polio and help lift millions out of poverty across 33 member countries of the Islamic Development Bank, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This funding includes $500 million allocated over five years to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which supports the provision of polio vaccines in the most affected areas. The Kingdom has also made significant strides in combating measles and polio, contributing $57.67 million through partnerships with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). Furthermore, it has implemented polio and measles eradication projects in several countries, with a total investment of $15 million, including $11.14 million spent on projects executed by KSrelief. In 2016, KSrelief responded to the healthcare needs of the Palestinian people by delivering 15,000 doses of meningitis vaccines and 15,000 doses of polio vaccines to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, the Kingdom also actively participates in the observance of World Polio Day on October 24 each year, contributing to global efforts aimed at eradicating polio, reducing its severe impact on individuals and communities, and raising awareness about the serious health risks associated with the disease.
