Kuwait’s humanitarian action carries on throughout the week
‘Kuwait by Your Side’ campaign going on for 5th straight year
KUWAIT: Inspired by and stemming from directives of the ‘Leader of Humanitarian Action’ His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the State of Kuwait continues to help those in dire need all over the world. Last week, Kuwait was described as a “historic partner” to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). WFP Director-General for GCC office Abdulmajeed Yahya said that Kuwait had signed a $24 million program last week to finance activities in Yemen. In 2018, Kuwait contributed $50 million, not including Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) contributions, to WFP humanitarian action in Mozambique and Bangladesh, he added, pointing out that he had met with Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah, who praised the program and its important role, especially in conflict areas. Regional Director of WFP for East and Central Africa Erika Joergensen said that Kuwait has a big role in the region, noting that there is an agreement between Kuwait and the program to help those in need. Joergensen praised the influential role of humanitarian contributions and efforts of the KRCS worldwide, especially in Africa.
In Geneva, UNHCR Commissioner’s Office Chief of Staff Salvatore Lombardo said Kuwait’s “generous” $12 million contribution would be allocated to the internallydisplaced persons in Yemen. The aid will focus on providing shelter and care for Yemenis, as well as refugees pouring into it from Somalia and the Horn of Africa, Lombardo told KUNA after meeting Kuwait’s permanent delegate to the UN and international organizations Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim. All the projects are in cooperation with other UN-affiliated bodies such as UNICEF, WFP and WHO, he pointed out. Ambassador Ghunaim said that the relationship between the State of Kuwait and the UNHCR is indeed “deep-seated and historic.” He said the meeting also touched upon other aspects of cooperation, mainly in Syria, Libya and aiding the Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh ahead of the anticipated visit to Kuwait by UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi early next year.
In Aden, and as part of the ‘Kuwait by Your Side’ campaign, Society of the Revival of Islamic Heritage inaugurated a two-week medical camp to perform some 210 minor surgeries, including tonsillectomy, circumcision, hemorrhoidectomy and hernia repair in the war-torn country. The ‘Kuwait by Your Side’ campaign is in its fifth consecutive year.