Agreements strengthen cholera response and malaria prevention in Yemen, boost global polio eradication efforts and support dialysis treatment for Sudanese refugees
Riyadh 25 February 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) agreed a series of new pledges to deliver life-saving health interventions for people threatened by cholera and malaria in Yemen, health services for Sudanese who have fled conflict in their country to neighbouring Egypt, and support polio eradication efforts in countries where the virus continues to circulate. The agreements were signed during the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, being held 24-25 February.
The Forum brings together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
“WHO greatly values our partnership with KSrelief and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is helping provide critical health support to millions of people impacted by war, disease and displacement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The immense scale of humanitarian suffering around the world requires sustained support from the international community. For 10 years now, KSrelief has exemplified this. We must not forget, though, that the best medicine, for all affected by conflicts, is peace.”
WHO’s Country Office for Yemen and KSrelief finalized two pledges: a US$12 million agreement focusing on malaria prevention and control, and a further US$2.1 million to support an existing agreement to expand cholera response and control measures, and improve access to treatment in affected and high-risk areas.
KSrelief signed another agreement, of US$3.6 million, with WHO Egypt to provide dialysis treatment for Sudanese sheltering in Egypt after fleeing the conflict in their country, which has led to the world’s largest displacement crisis.
“KSrelief has been an invaluable partner for WHO, supporting millions in Yemen, the occupied Palestinian territory, Syria, and beyond. Our region has been hard hit by some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and I welcome the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting health beyond its borders. This year, we are also signing a crucial agreement for polio eradication, as we remain the last region in the world where wild poliovirus persists,” said WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its US$500 million pledge to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) at the forum on Monday. The funds will be immediately disbursed to accelerate efforts to eliminate wild polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan and contain variant polio outbreaks.
The Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum is a biennial event organised by KSrelief in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This year’s forum was held to coincide with the 10th anniversary of KSrelief and featured high-level discussions on conflict, disaster response, humanitarian aid delivery, and forced displacement amid escalating global crises.
