Saudi humanitarian efforts that transcend borders
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the humanitarian arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues its leading role in extending a helping hand to affected communities around the world, as it recently implemented a series of relief projects in three countries: Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Lebanon, which included the distribution of food aid and the provision of urgent medical services, confirming the Kingdom’s firm commitment to the principles of humanitarian work.
Background on the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center was established in May 2015 by order of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to serve as a leading international center dedicated to relief and humanitarian work. Since its inception, the center has implemented hundreds of projects in more than 90 countries worldwide, in cooperation with local and international partners, with the aim of alleviating human suffering wherever it exists, without any religious or ethnic discrimination. Its programs cover multiple vital sectors, including food security, health, shelter, education, and water and sanitation.
Supporting food security in Sudan and Burkina Faso
Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the center distributed 1,370 food baskets in Al Jazirah State, benefiting 8,457 individuals from the most vulnerable and displaced groups. This aid is part of the Food Security Support Project in Sudan, which aims to provide basic necessities for populations affected by the ongoing conflict that has displaced millions and drastically worsened living conditions.
In a related development, the center's efforts extended to Burkina Faso, a country facing significant security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel region. In the town of Ouahigouya, 1,194 food baskets were distributed, benefiting 1,194 families comprising 7,164 individuals. This initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity among displaced families and host communities affected by the unrest.
Emergency medical services in Lebanon
In Lebanon, which is facing a complex economic crisis and the burden of hosting a large number of refugees, the center focused on supporting the health sector. Through its funding, the ambulance service of the Sabil Al-Salam Social Association in the Minieh region of northern Lebanon carried out 39 ambulance missions in a single week. These missions ranged from transporting patients to and from hospitals to providing first aid in emergencies, and benefited both Syrian refugees and members of the host community. This project underscores the importance of supporting health infrastructure to ensure a rapid and effective response to medical emergencies amidst the immense pressure on the Lebanese health system.
Regional and international impact
These simultaneous projects across different continents not only provide urgent relief but also bolster the stability of fragile communities and underscore the pivotal role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a key player in international humanitarian action. Through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the Kingdom continues to send a message of solidarity and hope to affected populations, contributing to regional and global security and stability.
