The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has announced a donation of $3 million to fight polio in Afghanistan. This funding is aimed at supporting international efforts to eradicate polio, particularly in countries where the disease remains a significant threat to public health.
The announcement was made by the Saudi Press Agency, which reported that the agreement was signed on Sunday, December 2, between the Islamic Development Bank and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in Riyadh.
This partnership underscores the ongoing commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to global health initiatives.
The King Salman Center has highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the fight against polio. The funding is part of broader efforts to eliminate the disease, which remains a major concern in several countries, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are currently the only two countries in the world where polio has not been eradicated, and the disease continues to affect children. Polio, which can cause permanent paralysis and even death, remains a critical challenge for health authorities in these regions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 23 cases of polio were reported in Afghanistan in the past 11 months, while Pakistan saw 48 new cases during the same period. These numbers highlight the ongoing struggle to eliminate the disease in the region.
In addition to the $3 million donation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation had previously committed $15 million to support primary healthcare in Afghanistan. This initiative is part of a broader global effort to improve healthcare infrastructure and eliminate polio.
These efforts represent significant steps forward in the global campaign against polio, but much more work remains to be done. The support from Saudi Arabia and international organizations is crucial in providing the resources needed to combat this debilitating disease.
The ongoing international efforts, including significant financial contributions and strategic partnerships, are vital in the fight against polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The commitment to eliminating polio is a crucial part of improving global health outcomes, and continued support from global organizations is necessary to achieve this goal.
The post Saudi Arabia donates $3 million to fight Polio in Afghanistan appeared first on Khaama Press.
