4 February 2013 – Saudi Arabia has donated US$ 2 107 000 (7.9 million Saudi Riyals) through the national nampaign to support people of the Syrian Arab Republic to provide essential medicines, vaccines and medical equipment to support conflict-affected populations in the Syrian Arab Republic.
The agreement was co-signed on 2 February 2013 in the WHO Regional Office by Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Dr Said Al-Orabi Al Harthy, President of the Saudi national campaign to support the people of the Syrian Arab Republic. The campaign’s contribution will enhance WHO’s ability to better respond to the urgent health needs of affected populations in the country. As many as 3 million Syrians will benefit from the donation. The agreement takes immediate effect as of 2 February 2013 and will cover a period of 12 months until February 2014.
Upon signing the agreement, Dr Alwan extended thanks to the Government of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, and to the people of Saudi Arabia for their generous and continuing support to countries of the Region.
The unrest in the Syrian Arab Republic has been ongoing for 20 months and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. 3 million people are in need of assistance, including 710 000 refugees in neighbouring countries (75% of whom are women and children) and 1.5 million internally displaced persons or IDPs (50% of whom are children).
Reliance on humanitarian assistance is increasing due to the loss of livelihoods. The access of humanitarian workers to vulnerable areas is limited, provision of health care is decreasing and the production of medicines and pharmaceutical products has been adversely affected. The national campaign contribution will strengthen the Syrian Arab Republic’s national vaccination programme, provide treatment to patients with chronic diseases and support emergency medical operations.
WHO, in accordance with the agreement, will be responsible for monitoring and implementing the activities of this agreement.