Saudi, UN officials discuss aid efforts in Sudan

Al-Rabeeah highlighted the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief in Sudan. (SPA)
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Updated 17 April 2024
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Saudi, UN officials discuss aid efforts in Sudan

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, recently met with Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries, organized by France and the EU in Paris.

Discussions focused on matters of mutual interest related to the relief and humanitarian situation in Sudan, along with key topics on the conference’s agenda.

Al-Rabeeah highlighted the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief in Sudan.

He said that 13 aircraft carrying supplies had been sent to Sudan, while 43 humanitarian projects worth more than $60 million had been implemented in the country and neighbor states in partnership with international, UN, and local organizations.

Additionally, the center dispatched 20 medical volunteer teams to Sudan.

Nkweta-Salami commended the efforts of the Kingdom in aiding the Sudanese people in need. She expressed hope for continued bilateral cooperation to further support humanitarian initiatives in Sudan.

On Monday, KSrelief signed two agreements with the World Food Programme, worth $1.4 million, to treat and prevent malnutrition across Sudan and South Sudan.

The agreement aims to prevent nutritional deficiencies among children, and pregnant and nursing women by providing food aid and nutritional supplements.

The funding will help more than 35,000 children, and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers affected by conflict, economic shocks, and climate events.


KSrelief expands community assistance in Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia

Updated 30 April 2024
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KSrelief expands community assistance in Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia

  • Zaatari program has expanded to include volunteer projects to train football coaches in the area
  • Zaatari program also offers a wide range of courses, including tablet and mobile phone maintenance

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has initiated its 25th volunteer program at the Zaatari refugee camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan, deploying 29 volunteers specializing in medical, psychological, social, and educational fields to directly assist camp residents, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The program has expanded to include volunteer projects to train football coaches in the area.

The program also offers a wide range of courses, including tablet and mobile phone maintenance, sewing and embroidery, pottery and ceramics, carpentry, wheelchair maintenance and repair, as well as psychological therapy and counseling sessions, the SPA reported.

In Pakistan, KSrelief distributed 733 shelter bags to people affected by floods in the Jarsadh and Lower Chitral districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

This assistance is part of the third phase of KSrelief’s project, which involves delivering shelter materials and bags to people in the region. It provides critical aid to 5,131 individuals from the most vulnerable and needy communities impacted by floods.

In Indonesia, KSrelief has launched a volunteer training project for advanced first aid in Jakarta. The project, which runs until May 3, involves eight volunteers with various specializations.

Since the start of the project, the center’s volunteer team has trained 50 individuals in advanced first aid.


Saudi Cabinet discusses efforts to enhance joint action to stop the war in Gaza

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman heads the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 30 April 2024
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Saudi Cabinet discusses efforts to enhance joint action to stop the war in Gaza

  • Efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza were also discussed at the Cabinet meeting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday discussed efforts made by the Kingdom, in cooperation with its partners, to enhance joint action to stop the war in Gaza.

Efforts to ensure the protection of civilians, deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and obtain international recognition of an independent Palestinian state were also discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s keenness to spread peace and security internationally and support paths to stability and development in the Middle East and the rest of the world, SPA added.

It was also briefed on bilateral and multilateral talks that took place during the past few days between the Kingdom and various other countries to expand areas of political and economic cooperation in a way that serves common interests and enhances coordination on global issues and challenges.

It also praised the outcomes of the special meeting of the World Economic Forum that took place in Riyadh on Sunday and Monday, and said that the meeting consolidated the Kingdom’s position as a global investment destination.

The Cabinet also expressed appreciation for King Salman’s sponsorship of celebrations commemorating the golden jubilee of the Islamic Development Bank which reiterated the Kingdom’s firm commitment to the principles of Islamic solidarity and common development, and its keenness to continue working with the bank to achieve its goals in supporting economic cooperation between member states and other states.

Ministers discussed the outcomes of the recently held Umrah and Ziyarah Forum including future initiatives and development projects that will contribute to enhancing the experience of pilgrims.

The Cabinet also approved various memoranda of understanding for cooperation between the Kingdom and other countries in various fields.


KSrelief showcases humanitarian efforts at IsDB exhibition, initiates cooperation with Bill Gates Foundation

Updated 30 April 2024
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KSrelief showcases humanitarian efforts at IsDB exhibition, initiates cooperation with Bill Gates Foundation

  • Organization's pavilion also highlighted KSrelief's specialized programs

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has showcased its work at the 2024 Islamic Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in Riyadh, which concludes on Tuesday.

At the exhibition, KSrelief explained how its relief and humanitarian work spans across 98 countries in collaboration with 175 international, regional, and local partners.

KSrelief's initiatives encompass various sectors including food security, health, education, shelter, humanitarian operations coordination, water, sanitation, environment, and protection.

The organization's pavilion also highlighted KSrelief's specialized programs such as the Masam project for demining in Yemen, the Child Soldiers Rehabilitation Project, and the Prosthetic Limb Program.

Later on Tuesday, KSRelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah met with Bill Gates, as co-chair of  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Discussions centered around fostering cooperation and coordination to alleviate the suffering of individuals worldwide.
 


Food-poisoning patients released from intensive care, 25 discharged from Riyadh hospital

Updated 30 April 2024
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Food-poisoning patients released from intensive care, 25 discharged from Riyadh hospital

  • Only source of contaminated food was Hamburgini restaurant chain
  • Botulism caused by the bacteria can be life-threatening, says doctor

RIYADH: More than half of the patients who contracted food poisoning caused by the clostridium botulinum bacteria last Thursday were released from intensive care and 25 discharged from a local hospital, the Ministry of Health reported on X.

The ministry’s spokesperson Dr. Mohammed Khalid Alabdulaali confirmed that the only source of the contaminated food was from the local Hamburgini fast-food restaurant chain.

“We confirm that there are no other sources to which the cases were linked other than what was previously explained, and we recommend the importance of taking information from official sources and the necessity of avoiding spreading rumors and unconfirmed information,” he said.

Botulism, caused by the bacteria, is a life-threatening neurological disorder resulting in paralysis and death if not treated promptly.

Gastroenterologist Mohammed Al-Awamy told Arab News that botulism is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food.

“In situations where the anaerobic bacteria thrive, for example in situations where oxygen is minimal ... this is seen in canned goods and in meats that have been packed in vacuum-sealed packing.

He said that botulism can be avoided by making sure that sources of contamination are eliminated. “This would mean tracing any source of possible contaminated food and ensuring the safe storage and processing of food products.”

He said botulism is life-threatening. “Symptoms start in the face and then descend to involve the limbs and trunk. Respiratory failure ensues due to involvement of the respiratory system leading to cardiopulmonary collapse.”

He said anyone who has symptoms or is suspected of having botulism must seek urgent medical attention.

“Treatment is supportive but may require the utilization of advanced life-support measures. Anti-toxin is available and will be administered in suspected cases pending confirmatory tests. ICU admission and mechanical ventilation may be needed in more advanced cases.”


ACCIONA presents its first talks in Riyadh on reverse osmosis desalination

Updated 30 April 2024
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ACCIONA presents its first talks in Riyadh on reverse osmosis desalination

  • First in a series of events at the Spanish Embassy highlights solution to water scarcity in the Kingdom
  • Speakers emphasized how Saudi Vision 2030 highlights the importance of investing in desalination technology such as reverse osmosis

RIYADH: ACCIONA, a leader in regenerative solutions for a decarbonized economy, held its first panel discussion in its series of talks designed to promote regenerative and sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia.

The event, held at the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh on April 28, brought together leading figures from across the sector, government, and businesses to showcase the importance of reverse osmosis technology in the water cycle.

The Riyadh event follows an inaugural panel discussion of a series, entitled “The Saudi Solution for Water Sustainability: Reverse Osmosis Desalination,” which explored achieving water sustainability in the Kingdom.

Panelists who participated included Khaled Al-Qourashi, CEO of the Saudi Water Partnerships Co., Khalid Al-Habib, chief investment officer of Water Transmission and technologies Co., ENGIE Saudi Arabia CEO Mohammed Alhajjaj, and Manuel Manjon, CEO of ACCIONA’s water business line.

The participants shared their experience in the sector and explained the importance of managing water resources efficiently to meet the needs of the growing population and expanding economy without compromising future generations’ ability to access clean water.

Given its arid climate and limited freshwater resources, Saudi Arabia relies heavily on desalination plants to meet its water needs.

The speakers emphasized how Saudi Vision 2030 highlights the importance of investing in desalination technology such as reverse osmosis, and of expanding the capacity of existing desalination plants to ensure a reliable supply of freshwater for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use.

Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest producers of desalinated water, with numerous desalination plants along its coastline. Reverse osmosis technology plays a vital role in addressing water scarcity challenges in the Kingdom by providing a sustainable and reliable source of clean water for different sectors and applications, contributing to the country’s economic development, environmental sustainability, and social well-being.