Jeddah – Seven new social programmes will get funds from the Saudi-based Islamic Development Bank through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund.
The choice was decided on Saturday in Jeddah during the bank’s annual meeting of governors, ministers, and delegations from its member nations.
Through the installation of solar-powered water systems, the projects will work to improve the nutritional and healthcare services provided to kids and their mothers in isolated rural parts of Afghanistan. They will also work to combat the issue of waterborne illnesses like cholera.
Tens of thousands of vulnerable children in Kandahar province and other rural areas of Afghanistan will benefit from two initiatives, each worth $2 million, which were signed with UNICEF. They will help offer lifesaving nutritional services and clean water.
Another agreement, also for $2 million, was made with the International Organisation for Migration to supply more than 13,000 individuals with clean drinking water.
President and group chairman of IsDB Mohammed Al-Jasser stated: “The signing of these agreements is testimony to the most effective and collaborative team effort.”
He commended the governments of Algeria and Saudi Arabia for their contributions of $30 million and $19 million, respectively, to the fund through the King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Aid.
He thanked Saudi Arabia for its $30 million donation to the fund made through the King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Aid, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for coordinating donations from all over the world, the governments of Algeria, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Turkey, and the Saudi Arabian people.
“We anticipate more contributions to the fund from member nations and other donors,” the statement reads.
The next round of initiatives, according to Al-Jasser, are already under way and “will be funded through the generous contributions of the Saudi Fund for Development.”
“I would like to comment on the excellent work that is being carried out under the leadership of Mohammed Al-Jasser and I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the contributions provided by all other countries, as well as KSrelief,” said Hissein Brahim Taha, secretary-general of the OIC.
CEO of the Saudi Fund for growth Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad stated: “These agreements are tangible contributions to strengthen the development of the framework scene in order to achieve inclusive development.”
