Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the supervisor-general of Saudi aid agency KSrelief, is making waves at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. In a session titled “From Crisis to Opportunity: Health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region,” Al-Rabeeah expressed his desire to strengthen the partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance response efforts and ensure resources are utilized efficiently.
Al-Rabeeah commended the WHO for its efforts in addressing humanitarian crises in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including conflicts, migration, and economic instability. He highlighted the Saudi leadership’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of millions of people, especially children, women, and vulnerable groups, with over $1.4 billion in humanitarian assistance provided to the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a significant move, KSrelief announced a $500 million contribution towards eradicating polio over the next five years. Al-Rabeeah emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive health treatment and support services in humanitarian emergencies, with the organization implementing various volunteer programs in the medical sector.
Despite challenges in conflict areas, Al-Rabeeah urged all parties to ensure the safe and effective delivery of aid to those in need. He cited examples in Gaza and Sudan where restrictions on aid delivery and attacks on humanitarian workers exacerbated the suffering of vulnerable populations.
KSrelief has demonstrated its commitment to overcoming obstacles in delivering aid, even resorting to unconventional methods like airdrops and camel deliveries in remote areas with limited access to healthcare services. In Gaza, the organization has been instrumental in addressing critical shortages of essential supplies.
Al-Rabeeah called on the international community to protect health facilities and humanitarian workers, emphasizing the need for adherence to international humanitarian law. He also stressed the importance of involving healthcare workers in policy-making processes to shape effective healthcare strategies.
The supervisor-general underscored the significance of international collaboration in ensuring equitable access to humanitarian assistance and medical care for all in need. As the world grapples with ongoing crises, Al-Rabeeah’s commitment to enhancing partnerships and improving response efforts is a beacon of hope for vulnerable populations in the Eastern Mediterranean region and beyond.