Riyadh- The King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (KSRELIEF), in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), announced the launching of a major project to combat and contain cholera in Yemen.

Upon the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, KSRELIEF launched the program with WHO, with the amount of $8.2 million, in order to combat the cholera epidemic in all Yemeni governorates.

The Advisor at the Royal Court and KSRELIEF General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah and head of the WHO Mission in Yemen Dr. Nivio Zagaria signed the program on Thursday.

In a press statement, Rabiah said the programs and activities to fight the epidemic would benefit Yemenis across the country, noting that a 500-ton convoy carrying medicine and supplies has been already dispatched.

According to the Saudi official, the program aims to curb deaths resulting from the cholera outbreak by promoting measures for early detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment efforts, as well as enhancing rapid response and capabilities of the central laboratories at the ministry of health and local hospitals.

Underlining the importance of prevention to fight cholera, Rabiah said the center has adopted a series of necessary measures to sterilize water, test the water quality, and cleanse water sources, while also training health workers and employees of labs to discover cases and diagnose them.

“The Kingdom is the first responder to support the UN in Yemen, with $274 million, and was at the forefront of countries supporting Yemen and its people in this humanitarian crisis, as well as in its rapid response to the cholera outbreak,” the Saudi official said.

He also highly valued the ongoing partnership with the United Nations and other international, regional and local organizations, stressing the Kingdom’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis and save the lives of thousands.

Zagaria, for his part, described KSRELIEF support as crucial in facing the epidemic in Yemen.

“You are right in your request of the UN to quickly intervene and respond, and not to delay in order to combat cholera in Yemen, and your strong message that we wish to direct to the world is that all Yemenis are in need of the support of the international community. For this we are beside you today to sign this critical project to combat this epidemic,” he said, addressing the KSRELIEF representative.