Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has signed two agreements in 2025 under which more than $500 million was provided to protect 370 million children annually from polio. This is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to combat polio in countries requiring assistance.
Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), highlights its global position in supporting the health sector and combating epidemics and diseases, as it marks World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24.
Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief, participates in marking World Polio Day to contribute to international efforts to completely eradicate polio worldwide, reduce its severe health impacts on individuals and communities, and raise awareness of the serious consequences of the disease.
The Kingdom's efforts reflect its commitment to contributing to the goal of eradicating this serious public health threat by providing polio vaccinations, organizing awareness campaigns, and offering medical and logistical support to countries in need, in cooperation with international health organizations.
The first agreement allocated $300 million to support World Health Organization’s (WHO) efforts in high-risk countries, covering preventive, technical, and epidemiological surveillance, as well as treatment activities aimed at eliminating poliovirus in endemic areas, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The agreement also supports national programs in countries that are close to achieving eradication, as well as global efforts to strengthen health systems in targeted countries by improving preventive programs and providing the necessary resources and supplies to eliminate the virus.
Under the second agreement, $200 million was provided to support the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in high-risk countries, covering a wide range of essential activities, including strengthening supply and cold chain systems through the procurement of vaccines, carriers, and solar-powered refrigeration units, in addition to supporting primary healthcare centers, vaccination campaigns, and community engagement through health education initiatives.
