Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" and WHO Join Forces to Confront COVID-19

In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" has partnered with World Health Organization (WHO) to provide vital medical supplies and support to countries in need. With a focus on Egypt, Ukraine, South Africa, and the WHO's Regional Office in Africa, this collaboration has significantly impacted the global fight against the virus.

The duration of this joint effort spanned from 2020 to 2021, with millions of people benefiting from the contributions made by Alwaleed Philanthropies. The targeted range of assistance encompassed critical regions and WHO activities aimed at COVID-19 preparedness.

The objectives of this partnership were clear and comprehensive. By activating multi-partner coordination mechanisms, the aim was to strengthen emergency preparedness and response at all levels in the fight against COVID-19. Key focus areas included enhancing surveillance capacity, strengthening testing capabilities and laboratory services, implementing effective infection prevention and control measures, ensuring effective case management, and reinforcing operational support and logistics for the procurement and distribution of essential supplies.

Additionally, the collaboration aimed to maintain essential health services and systems, while prioritising the protection and access to healthcare services for vulnerable groups such as refugees, migrants, IDPs, and other marginalised populations.

Throughout 2021, notable accomplishments were achieved in line with these objectives. Recognizing the acute shortage of essential supplies, the COVID-19 supply chain system (CSCS) was established in 2020, serving as a crucial lifeline for countries in need. WHO and its partners in the CSCS successfully procured and distributed over 58,000 oxygen concentrators to 127 countries, as well as more than 3,400 ventilators to 84 countries.

The collective efforts of Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" and the WHO in the COVID-19 response have been instrumental in providing critical support to healthcare systems worldwide. Through their joint commitment and the procurement of over US$1.3 billion of essential supplies, the partnership has played a crucial role in enabling countries to effectively combat the pandemic.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, this collaboration serves as a testament to the power of global cooperation and the shared responsibility to protect and support one another in times of crisis. Together, Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" and the WHO have made a significant impact in the battle against the virus, saving lives and ensuring that healthcare services reach those who need them most.