A Major Milestone in the Fight Against Polio Announced at the 4th International Riyadh Humanitarian Forum
In a landmark commitment to global health, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has announced a historic USD 500 million pledge to support the worldwide eradication of polio. The announcement was made during the opening session of the 4th International Riyadh Humanitarian Forum, signifying a major step forward in combating this debilitating disease.
This substantial financial contribution forms the foundation of two large-scale projects, developed in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. These initiatives aim to eliminate polio in high-risk countries and strengthen global healthcare infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks.
A Groundbreaking Partnership for Global Health Security
KSrelief’s pledge is divided into two key projects. The first initiative, in collaboration with WHO, will allocate USD 300 million towards eradicating polio in high-risk nations, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan. This funding will help strengthen national immunisation programmes in countries that are close to eliminating the disease while ensuring a steady supply of vaccines, improving medical response efforts, and supporting preventive measures.
The second project, implemented alongside UNICEF, will dedicate USD 200 million towards developing robust healthcare systems. This funding will enhance vaccine supply chains, including procurement and cold storage infrastructure, support primary healthcare centres, and expand vaccination campaigns. Additionally, community outreach and health education programmes will be strengthened, ensuring sustained efforts to eliminate the poliovirus.
Ensuring a Polio-Free Future
Polio remains a critical global health challenge, with Pakistan and Afghanistan being the last two endemic countries still reporting cases. The new initiative aims not only to halt polio transmission but also to create stronger and more resilient healthcare systems that can prevent future outbreaks. By improving access to vaccines and medical services, the project will contribute significantly to global health security.
Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating: “This substantial commitment from Saudi Arabia reflects our unwavering dedication to eradicating polio and protecting future generations. Through our collaboration with WHO and UNICEF, we aim to deliver lasting health benefits, ensuring that every child has access to lifesaving vaccines and medical care. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure, we are not only tackling polio but also paving the way for a more resilient global health system.”
A Unified Global Effort to Combat Polio
The commitment made at the 4th International Riyadh Humanitarian Forum highlights the growing international focus on eliminating polio. Millions of children in high-risk regions will benefit from improved access to vaccines, better healthcare facilities, and expanded outreach efforts.
This historic collaboration between KSrelief, WHO, and UNICEF, backed by significant financial support, injects renewed momentum into the global campaign against polio. It also serves as a powerful example of how collective efforts can make a lasting impact in tackling major health challenges.
By investing in preventive measures and enhancing global health systems, KSrelief and its partners are actively working to build a polio-free future, ensuring better health and wellbeing for generations to come.
