Saudi Arabia supports the Global Fund with $39 million to combat epidemics
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts worldwide, the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Peter Sands. The signing ceremony took place in Geneva, Switzerland, in the presence of the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khathila, and included a grant of US$39 million.
Grant details and strategic objectives
This agreement covers the period between 2026 and 2028, with the Saudi grant aiming to support international programs to eradicate three of the most dangerous epidemics threatening humanity: AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The support extends beyond simply providing medicines; it also includes strengthening the efficiency of health and community systems in developing countries, ensuring the sustainability of treatment and prevention services and building strong defenses against these diseases in the most vulnerable communities.
A proven track record of humanitarian partnership
This support is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of fruitful partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Global Fund. Since 2002, the Kingdom's total contributions through the Saudi Fund for Development have exceeded $200 million. This figure clearly reflects the Kingdom's leading role as an active member of the international community and its ongoing commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
Strengthening global health security
During the signing, Sultan Al-Murshid emphasized that this contribution stems from the Kingdom's sense of responsibility towards global health and its commitment to ensuring access to essential healthcare for those in need, thus contributing to the fight against cross-border epidemics. For his part, Peter Sands commended the Saudi role, describing the Kingdom as a committed partner whose support contributes to building the resilience of global health systems in the face of future challenges.
This step is of particular importance in light of the economic and health challenges facing the world, as investing in combating these diseases is a direct investment in the economic and social stability of the beneficiary countries, reducing mortality rates and enhancing the productivity of individuals and communities.
