Saudi Arabia reaffirms its $500 million pledge to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in a signing event during the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum.
Speaking at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Saudi Health Minister and Supervisor General of King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Center (KSRelief) noted that, “The world is on the path to eradicating polio once and for all, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is proud to be part of this global initiative. The Kingdom’s contribution will go toward the important work of protecting the most vulnerable children of today so that the generations of tomorrow can live free from this preventable disease.”
The pledge is to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) as part of an agreement that will help the GPEI and its partners reach 370 million children with polio vaccines each year. The funds were initially pledged in April 2024 at the first-ever World Economic Forum Special Meeting hosted in Riyadh.
Since GPEI’s founding in 1988, polio cases have fallen by over 99%. However, humanitarian crises and unstable political situations in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen, have seen a continued polio cases. In 2024, for example, the virus returned to Gaza in the occupied Palestinian territory after 25 years.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: “We have come so far in our shared mission to consign polio to history, but the last mile is the hardest. Finishing the job requires unwavering determination, and this generous contribution from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will help us to reach children in conflict-affected and other difficult-to-reach areas as we work together to realize our vision of a polio-free world.”
Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation, said: “Just a few decades ago, polio affected 350,000 children each year. In 2023, that number fell to just 12 children – a testament to the unwavering commitment of countries and partners around the world. The world is on the verge of finally eliminating this deadly disease, but reaching the finish line will require continued global leadership and support… Thanks to this generous contribution from Saudi Arabia, along with the long-standing efforts of many countries, we are one step closer to a world free of polio.”
