Saudi Arabia's National Campaign contribution will enhance WHO’s ability to respond to the urgent health needs of affected populations in the Syrian Arab Republic

13 February 2013 – The Saudi National Campaign to Support the People of the Syrian Arab Republic has donated US$ 2 107 000 (7.9 million Saudi Riyals) to support the health needs of conflict-affected populations in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The agreement was co-signed on 2 February 2013 in the WHO Regional Office in Cairo by Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Dr Said Al-Orabi Al Harthy, President of the the Saudi National Campaign to Support the People of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The campaign’s contribution will effectively enhance WHO’s efforts to respond to the vital health needs of Syrians affected by the crisis, including strengthening the national vaccination programme, providing treatment to patients with chronic diseases and supporting emergency medical operations.

The unrest in the Syrian Arab Republic has been ongoing for 23 months and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Four million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 1.5 million internally displaced persons, 50% of whom are children. Due to insecurity, a lack of health personnel, and shortages in basic medical equipment and medicines, Syrians are struggling to gain access to basic health care services.

Upon signing the agreement, Dr Alwan extended thanks to the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, under whose leadership the campaign was conducted, and to the people of Saudi Arabia for their generous and continuing support.

Related link

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz

Regional emergency preparedness and humanitarian action programme