Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are launching a 15-month, $5 million programme for Ukrainian hospitals. Four regional referral hospitals will receive medical equipment: two in Kyiv oblast and one each in Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, UNDP announced on 25 September.
What the hospitals will get
The programme focuses on maternal and newborn care, paediatric intensive care, surgery and trauma, diagnostics and emergency stabilisation. Equipment will be procured according to each facility’s verified needs. Beyond delivery, the programme covers installation and commissioning, staff training, warranties and support to keep the equipment running safely over time. UNDP estimates that up to 900,000 people will benefit indirectly.
The press release does not name the hospitals.
“KSrelief is pleased to sign this important Joint Executive Programme with our valued partner, UNDP,” said Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief. UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo said strong health services help communities stay resilient during difficult times.
Background
KSrelief is Saudi Arabia’s main state body for humanitarian aid abroad. In October 2022, following a phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Volodymyr Zelensky, the kingdom announced $400 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, Khaleej Times reported, citing the SPA news agency.
