Gates Foundation partners with KSRelief to eradicate polio, strengthen primary healthcare

Anita Zaidi - Polio eradication partnership
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Anita Zaidi - Saudi Arabia's role in the polio fight
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Updated 29 April 2024
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Gates Foundation partners with KSRelief to eradicate polio, strengthen primary healthcare

Gates Foundation partners with KSRelief to eradicate polio, strengthen primary healthcare
  • With $500 million pledged, this is the biggest contribution that a sovereign country has ever given to the polio eradication program

RIYADH: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Saudi aid agency KSrelief have announced a joint push to eradicate polio, improve global health, and alleviate poverty.

At the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh, Anita Zaidi, president of the foundation’s gender equality division, told Arab News: “This is a really momentous occasion for us to really expand our partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“It’s the biggest contribution that a sovereign country has ever given to the polio eradication program, and it’s really a signal for how governments in the Middle East, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, are really stepping up to play their part in global health and development.”

Saudi Arabia will contribute $100 million to support the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, the largest multilateral development initiative in the Middle East. The fund aims to lift the poorest people out of poverty in 33 Islamic Development Bank member countries through investments to strengthen primary healthcare, eliminate preventable infectious diseases, support smallholder farming and rural agriculture, and improve basic infrastructure.

Both parties are also allocating $4 million as a relief grant in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is profoundly affecting women and children. The grant, to be distributed through UNICEF, aims to provide health interventions and access to basic water and sanitation services.

Saudi Arabia has pledged $500 million over the next five years to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which will help to deliver vital health services and polio vaccines to underserved populations through the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

The Kingdom and the Gates Foundation have pledged $3 million and $15 million respectively over three years to support the Polio Legacy Challenge administered by the IsDB, with contributions from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar under the patronage of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean’s subcommittee for polio eradication and outbreaks.

To implement the programmes, the Gates Foundation will establish a regional office in Riyadh — in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City — in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation to support youth engagement and effectiveness of the third sector.

The partnership between Saudi Arabia and the Gates Foundation has been in the works for several months, and as the WEF meeting for the first time since the pandemic takes place outside Davos, the urgency of announcing the cooperation became evident, Zaidi said.   

The announcement also coincides with the IsDB’s 50th anniversary this week.

This new commitment from Saudi Arabia is the largest multi-year pledge by a sovereign donor to the current GPEI strategy, ensuring that essential health services are provided to hundreds of millions of children each year.

When Africa became free of wild polio in 2020, it left Pakistan and Afghanistan as the only countries where wild polio is endemic.

“There is a special relationship between these countries and Saudi Arabia, so that thought partnership and those relationships, (you ask:) how do you work with these countries? How do you partner more deeply? All of that is important for polio eradication,” Zaidi said.

The direct engagement of countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, has helped drive the number of polio cases in those countries down from more than 300 in 2014 to 12 in 2023. The GPEI will continue to need resources until polio case numbers reach zero and the world is certified polio-free.

Global health is hugely reliant on women, who comprise 70 percent of the sector’s workforce. But women in senior roles, those who have worked on the ground to understand the eradication process of such diseases, are still lacking.

“We are really trying to change, to hear more women’s voices,” Zaidi said. “And that was part of the program in Pakistan where, for the first time, we surveyed the frontline health workers and asked: what is it that you face in your daily work that is keeping you from doing your best work? What ideas do you have for convincing people whose families are refusing polio vaccination? How do you best communicate the message? All of that has really led to so many better changes in the program,” she added.

One of the foundation’s key focuses is the lack of progress in women’s health, including stagnant maternal mortality rates in the past 10 years — 200,000 women die every year as a result of childbirth. The foundation funded a McKinsey report published at January’s WEF session that highlighted the economic cost of women in poor health.

“We really need to invest in training and retention of the frontline health workers around the world. But the other part is all the new ideas and the new innovations that we can get out to women,” Zaidi said.

Now there are innovations that measure postpartum blood loss, an annual single-injection iron IV for anemia, and ultrasounds facilitated by artificial intelligence awaiting investment and implementation. “These (are) really exciting things that we can now do to really bring down deaths during pregnancy and delivery,” she said.

Zaidi noted that global health intersects with other sectors and industries as the WEF becomes the backdrop for these essential correlations.  

“Having a forum like WEF to really talk about these issues is key. And that’s why we launched the Global Health Alliance, a global alliance for women’s health as well, which is bringing in a lot of different types of thinkers who understand this issue to really solve it,” she said.


First air evacuation performed after Grand Mosque medical facilities upgraded

First air evacuation performed after Grand Mosque medical facilities upgraded
Updated 7 sec ago
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First air evacuation performed after Grand Mosque medical facilities upgraded

First air evacuation performed after Grand Mosque medical facilities upgraded

RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has carried out the first air medical evacuation from the Grand Mosque in Makkah after the opening of two new air ambulance helipads.

A patient suffering from chest pain was treated at the Al Haram Emergency Hospital before being rushed by helicopter to King Abdullah Medical City for further treatment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia recently improved its emergency healthcare response capabilities with the two new helipads in preparation for an influx of pilgrims.

Air ambulances will operate around the clock, providing continuous support in transporting patients to hospitals within minutes.

A new specialist hospital also opened in the Grand Mosque to provide onsite care.

The new facilities will alleviate capacity issues at Islam’s holiest site, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

“Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of pilgrims … we expand services for pilgrims with both scale and speed,” Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said.

“This initiative ensures that all patients can receive the highest level of care at one of the world’s holiest and most visited sites,” Al-Jalajel said.

“By transferring patients to hospitals based on their specific needs, we continue to improve health outcomes for pilgrims with both scale and speed.”

The helicopters will be able to transport patients to hospitals in the local area and beyond for specialist treatment.

Additional helicopters can be deployed at short notice in busier periods.

Saudi authorities conducted an air ambulance landing drill at the mosque’s eastern runway, ahead of the helipads opening.

The Al-Haram Emergency Hospital is a new specialist medical facility inside the Grand Mosque.

It will have state-of-the-art medical technology and highly trained healthcare professionals, according to the Ministry of Health.

It includes an intensive care unit, a laboratory for conducting medical tests, a radiology department, and an on-site pharmacy.

The hospital also has dedicated areas for critical and rapid emergencies, respiratory emergencies, an emergency observation unit, and an isolation unit for infectious diseases.


King Salman Royal Reserve marks Saudi Green Initiative anniversary with 3 million trees

King Salman Royal Reserve marks Saudi Green Initiative anniversary with 3 million trees
Updated 11 min 1 sec ago
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King Salman Royal Reserve marks Saudi Green Initiative anniversary with 3 million trees

King Salman Royal Reserve marks Saudi Green Initiative anniversary with 3 million trees

RIYADH: The second anniversary of the Saudi Green Initiative highlighted the efforts of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority to protect the environment and restore ecological balance.

The authority has launched field initiatives, awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programs, restoring over 700,000 hectares of land, planting 3 million trees and distributing 4 tonnes of seeds with help from more than 11,000 volunteers.

The SGI was launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prime minister and chairman of the Higher Committee for the SGI, in 2021. It aims to unite community efforts in implementing effective and measurable actions for environmental protection, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The authority has worked to protect vegetation cover from vehicle damage, educated the community about the importance of restoring vegetation and safeguarding the environment, and promoted land sustainability to create safe habitats for wildlife.

Additionally, it has shared awareness messages with local communities about the impacts and seriousness of logging practices.

Thursday’s celebrations highlighted the efforts of the SGI to increase environmental awareness across the Kingdom and motivate people to play their part in securing a healthier future for future generations.

The program also seeks to bind sustainable programs with the nation’s broader green objectives, such as reducing toxic emissions, improving afforestation and land restoration, and preserving land and marine ecosystems.

 


President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar

President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar
Updated 28 March 2025
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President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar

President Trump welcomes Saudi ambassador to White House iftar
  • President Trump tells iftar guests that people around the world want peace

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the US, Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, received a personal welcome from President Trump at the White House iftar on Thursday.

During his opening speech, the American president said: “Every day we are keeping our promises to the Muslim community. My administration is engaged in relentless diplomacy to forge a lasting peace in the Middle East, building on the historic Abraham Accords which everyone said would be impossible … We’re all looking for peace for the entire world.”

He added: “As we approach the end of (the) Islamic holy month of Ramadan, we’re also deeply honored to be joined by many of the international friends and partners including the Ambassador from Saudi Arabia to the United States, a very, very special woman, Princess Rema — princess, thank you, thank you, princess.”

The princess was among several ambassadors from Arab countries, including the UAE, Egypt and Jordan.

Later, posting on X, the princess thanked Trump and said: “Honored to attend the iftar dinner hosted by @POTUS. Grateful for his kind invitation and thoughtful gesture toward the Muslim community. It’s a testament to the spirit of friendship and cooperation that brings our nations together.”


Saudi minister awards ICDO medal to acting representative of the National Guard

Saudi minister awards ICDO medal to acting representative of the National Guard
Updated 28 March 2025
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Saudi minister awards ICDO medal to acting representative of the National Guard

Saudi minister awards ICDO medal to acting representative of the National Guard

RIYADH: Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, minister of the Saudi Arabian National Guard, awarded acting representative of the National Guard, Maj. Gen. Saleh bin Abdulrahman Al-Harbi with the Knight Medal of the International Civil Defence Organization. 

The Knight Medal is a prestigious honor awarded by the ICDO in recognition of exceptional service to the organization and outstanding contributions to advancing civil defence efforts on a global scale.


 


Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan

Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan
Updated 28 March 2025
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Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan

Pilgrims discover Makkah’s cultural treasures during Ramadan
  • Every place carries a story and significant Islamic memory, says tour guide 

MAKKAH: Pilgrims in the holy city of Makkah are making the most of their stay by exploring its wealth of historical and cultural sites. 

The daylight hours of Ramadan are an ideal opportunity for tourists to enjoy sightseeing tours that enrich both their spiritual journey and knowledge.

Makkah has seen steady traffic to archeological sites, with guided tour buses providing organized visits to key historical locations. These excursions enhance cultural awareness about significant places and give visitors an opportunity to engage with the city’s legacy.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Dahas, an expert Makkah historian, highlighted the importance of enriching pilgrims’ experiences by directing them along established routes, helping them discover the pivotal chapters of the city’s history. 

Specialized tourism programs allow visitors to maximize their stay while strengthening their connection to the heritage of the two holy cities.

Al-Dahas emphasized the importance of preserving Makkah’s historical value through visits to archeological sites and first-hand exploration of treasures and museums that highlight its cultural significance. 

This helped people truly understand the city, which he described as a “global heritage mine” with outstanding landmarks that make it one of the most important destinations for Muslims around the world.

Makkah also features natural sites of religious and historical importance, such as Jabal Al-Noor (Mountain of Light), the Cave of Hira and the developing Hira Cultural Club, and Mount Thawr,

He added that its unique geography radiated spirituality throughout its mountains and valleys, while traditional markets that served as trade hubs between Syria and Yemen and ancient Islamic fortresses told the story of a glorious past.

Tour guide Mahdi Nafaa Al-Qurashi explained how Makkah has witnessed defining moments in Islamic history, from Prophet Ibrahim’s call through to the life of Prophet Mohammed and his companions.

He said every location in Makkah carried a story and significant Islamic memory, as the routes leading to the holy city and surrounding the Holy Kaaba were rich with landmarks tied to pivotal events.

Mohamed Salama, an Egyptian pilgrim, said visits to the holy sites had been simplified by the available facilities and electronic visas. He appreciated how everyone worked to ensure pilgrims’ comfort and ensure their experience was as good as it could be.

Despite dealing with millions of visitors, he described the organization as “exceptional, creating a wonderful blend between spiritual worship and exploration of Makkah’s historical richness.”

Rabab Hussein, an Iraqi making her first visit from Manchester, in the UK, described the harmony between historical and spiritual depth as unique to Makkah and Madinah. 

“The place has its own majesty and ancient historical extension, with its mountains and stones guiding you to historical stories of prophets and messengers,” she said. 

The place made a special impression on first-time pilgrims, she added, and visiting Makkah went beyond performing rituals — it was a chance to gain insights into its history.