- ARAB NEWS
- 01 May 2024
Since 1975
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia joined countries around the globe celebrating World Health Day on Friday under the slogan “Health for All.”
The Kingdom has been one of the main supporters of the World Health Organization and among the organization’s leading donors since 2018.
According to WHO, the Kingdom has contributed over $385 million as part of global health initiatives throughout countries, including Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bangladesh, Somalia and Palestine.
The celebration coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of WHO, with its treaty now accepted by countries recognizing that health is key to global security and a basic human right.
The Saudi health sector has identified a set of goals to protect public health and improve medical services in the Kingdom.
Saudi Vision 2030, a major economic and social plan, dedicated a program to upgrading the health sector’s capabilities and services.
This transformation is being achieved by facilitating access to health services and expanding health digital transformation.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has said that the Kingdom is considered one of the countries most committed to public health issues.
The Kingdom has contributed to the establishment of advanced centers to support the efforts of WHO since joining the global organization in 1961.
Saudi Arabia’s contributions have reached nine centers, strengthening health fields such as patient safety, community medicine and combating antibiotic-resistant microbes.
These centers implemented activities and programs in cooperation with WHO, ranging from research, training, studies, and surveys.
The Kingdom also has technical and administrative assistance to WHO, represented by qualified Saudi cadres who contribute to public health initiatives.
WHO collaborates with numerous entities in the Kingdom, such as the Saudi Health Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Saudi Patient Safety Center, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and the Saudi Sports for All Federation.
The Kingdom’s comprehensive transformation of the health sector is a model for countries’ endeavors to strengthen their health systems, pay attention to the health of society of all groups, ages, and life stages, and make efforts for integrated health for all.
