DAMASCUS: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the supervisor-general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, launched 16 comprehensive humanitarian initiatives in the Syrian Arab Republic on Sunday.
Al-Rabeeah, who was accompanied by a large high-level Saudi delegation, told Arab News: “Well, today is a historic day. And actually the humanitarian work in Syria, as everybody knows, Saudi Arabia has been supporting the Syrian people for decades.
“And today is another signal: We have supported them prior to the conflict, during the conflict, and now, we hope, (during) this period of reform in Syria, we are (again) supporting the Syrian people.”
He added: “Today we have launched many projects in the health sector and shelter (sector), in community support. And also, in food security, we are aiming to empower the community, empower women, children and the youth so that Syrian people will be transformed from being dependent on relief to a period of recovery. And we hope that will be followed by a period of development.”
The first initiative announced was the Lifesaving Medical Equipment Program, which is to equip 17 central hospitals with CT scanners, advanced ICU equipment, and modern dialysis units, in addition to the delivery of 454 state-of-the-art dialysis machines nationwide.
The program also includes the deployment of 1,220 Saudi medical specialists across more than 45 specialties, including cochlear implants, neurosurgery, pediatric cancer surgery, and the treatment of burns.
Additionally, 128,159 volunteer hours have been committed, with ongoing rotational deployment.
Raed Al-Saleh, the Syrian minister of disaster management and emergency response, praised KSrelief for its efforts in supporting Syria.
Al-Saleh said: “This partnership will be a key pillar in tackling the humanitarian crisis at the national level. We believe in Syria’s future and in our ability to coexist, no matter how many challenges there are.”
The second major announcement at the ceremony was the Food Security and Agricultural Recovery Program, which provides strategic agricultural support, including the rehabilitation of 33 government bakeries across eight governorates.
The initiative also includes the Seven Grains Agricultural Support Program, offering tools, seeds, and training to farming families.
Under KSrelief’s educational infrastructure restoration, 34 schools across three governorates will be restored and feature integrated solar power systems and modern learning environments to help the post-conflict recovery.
Six water and sanitation projects have also been launched, benefiting more than 300,000 Syrians.
As part of comprehensive orphan care initiatives, 1,000 children are to receive monthly sponsorship and support through the Care and Empowerment Program in northwest Syria.
The Basma Hope Program will provide holistic orphan care, including education, recreation, and essential needs.
KSrelief is to also train 400 women caregivers in tailoring to promote economic empowerment.
The event also announced emergency relief including ambulances, heavy equipment, debris-removal machinery, emergency shelter kits, and food basket distribution.
Al-Rabeeah emphasized to Arab News the significance of comprehensive humanitarian aid to Syria.
He said: “There is no question (of its importance). It is actually part of the strong relationship between the two countries.
“The bond between Saudi Arabia and Syria is at the level of the governments and the level of the people at political, economic, (and) humanitarian (levels). You name it. So, this is another day of support from Saudi Arabia to Syria.”
Al-Saleh said: “KSrelief has always been active in relief, shelter, education, health, and livelihood support efforts. This support has significantly contributed to the resilience of Syrians over the past years.”
