Saudi Arabia and UK Join Forces to Combat Malnutrition in Somalia
In an effort to address the issue of malnutrition in Somalia, the Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the UK have signed a $5 million cooperation agreement with UNICEF.
The agreement, signed by KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and British Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell, aims to provide access to nutrition services, water, and personal hygiene supplies in 15 high-risk areas of Somalia, benefitting 101,000 children.
Within the framework of joint humanitarian and relief projects between the Kingdom and the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, each party will contribute $2.5 million to UNICEF.
The announcement was made during the second annual UK-Saudi Strategic Dialogue on Humanitarian Aid and International Development, where discussions also focused on providing aid to Gaza and promoting peace in Sudan.
Both countries have already committed $22 million in joint funding to provide aid and famine relief in Somalia and Sudan.
Additional cooperation programs through KSrelief and the Saudi Fund for Development are expected to be implemented in Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Ukraine.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah expressed optimism about enhancing technical experience and capacity building through collaboration with the UK, focusing on areas such as health interventions, education infrastructure development, and livelihood creation programs.
Andrew Mitchell emphasized the importance of collaboration to support those affected by conflict worldwide, highlighting the commitment to provide assistance in Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, and Bangladesh.
Discussions between Al-Rabeeah and Mitchell also focused on enhancing cooperation in relief and humanitarian affairs globally, as well as aligning efforts with the UN sustainable development goals.