Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah of KSrelief Calls for Stronger Partnership with WHO
Riyadh – In a bold move, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of Saudi aid agency KSrelief, expressed his desire to enhance collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to elevate response efforts, streamline resource allocation, and empower communities to be self-reliant.
During the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Al-Rabeeah addressed the session “From Crisis to Opportunity: Health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region,” praising the WHO for their commitment to tackling humanitarian crises in the region, including conflicts, migration, and economic instability.
Al-Rabeeah highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant contributions, with over $1.4 billion in humanitarian aid to the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, KSrelief pledged $500 million to combat polio over the next five years.
The center has spearheaded numerous volunteer programs and implemented 298 projects worth over $46 million in the Eastern Mediterranean region, providing crucial health services during emergencies.
Al-Rabeeah urged conflict parties to ensure the safe delivery of aid, emphasizing the detrimental impact of hindrances on humanitarian efforts. He cited the challenges faced in Gaza and Sudan as poignant examples.
In tough situations like the siege of Taiz in Yemen, KSrelief resorted to innovative methods like airdrops and camel deliveries to reach remote areas with limited healthcare access.
Al-Rabeeah stressed the urgency of easing restrictions in Gaza to address food, water, and medical shortages, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
He called on the international community to protect health facilities and personnel, urging adherence to international humanitarian law. Al-Rabeeah advocated for involving healthcare professionals in policy-making to shape effective strategies.
The importance of global collaboration in ensuring equitable access to healthcare and humanitarian aid for all cannot be overstated, according to Al-Rabeeah.