Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced on Monday that they were allocating $200 million to immediate relief aid in Yemen, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Some $140 million will be dedicated to urgent food needs as part of the World Food Program, $40 million will be dedicated to treat severe malnutrition among mothers and children and $20 million will used to combat cholera through the World Health Organization.
The announcement of the initiative is part of the joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in cooperation with the United Nations, to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The initiative underline the humanitarian role played by the members of the Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen, led by the Kingdom.
Advisor at the Royal Court, General Supervisor of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah said that the initiative was one of many major programs carried out by the Kingdom and UAE through UN agencies and civil society groups in Yemen.
The initiative can be added to the efforts exerted by KSRelief in Yemen and the UAE Red Crescent Society to meet the most pressing humanitarian need in Yemen, he told a press conference.
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy said that Monday’s initiative will be dedicated primarily to women.
She highlighted the obstacles, set by the Iran-backed Houthi militias, that are hindering aid deliveries in Yemen.
The initiative will be particularly significant as it comes ahead of the advent of the holy fasting month of Ramadan that begins in May.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have topped the Arab coalition donations to Yemen throughout the past four years, with grants exceeding $18 billion.
