Polio Workshop Held: KSrelief and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation hosted a key workshop on polio and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) at KSrelief's Riyadh headquarters, in collaboration with UNICEF and WHO.
High-Level Participation: The event featured prominent figures including Dr. Chris Elias, Andrea Thompson, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, and Adele Khodr, focusing on enhancing global collaboration and strategies to combat polio.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment: Saudi Arabia's role in the initiative was highlighted, with Dr. Ziad Memish emphasizing the need for joint efforts to achieve a polio-free world, supported by Saudi Arabia’s significant investment and contributions to global vaccination efforts
Riyadh, September 5, 2024 – On August 27-28, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation hosted a pivotal workshop focused on polio eradication and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The event, held at KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh, was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and aimed to advance global efforts to eradicate polio.
The workshop gathered an impressive roster of high-level representatives from leading international organizations, health agencies, and government bodies. Key figures included Dr. Chris Elias, Chair of the Polio Oversight Board; Andrea Thompson, Senior Program Officer for Polio Outbreaks at the Gates Foundation; Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean; and Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. Their participation underscored the collaborative spirit essential for achieving global health objectives.
Dr. Ziad Memish, KSrelief’s Senior Advisor to the Supervisor-General for Medical and Humanitarian Research, highlighted the critical role of strengthening partnerships in the fight against polio. He emphasized the importance of concerted efforts between KSrelief and the Gates Foundation, stating, “Working together, I have no doubt that we can achieve a polio-free world. The speed of achieving this goal will depend on several factors: bolstering fragile health systems, overcoming vaccine hesitancy, ending conflicts that disrupt vaccination efforts, and extending outreach to remote communities, refugees, and displaced persons.”
Dr. Elias praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership in polio eradication, noting, “We appreciate Saudi Arabia’s leadership in polio eradication and are excited to contribute to this learning session and to discuss the next phase of the Kingdom’s involvement.” His remarks reflect the global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s significant role in the initiative.
The workshop’s agenda was comprehensive, including sessions on polio epidemiology, the governance structures within GPEI, and strategies for addressing ongoing barriers to eradication. On the second day, discussions centered on developing a robust framework to support the initiative, exploring potential programmatic approaches, resource allocation strategies, and oversight mechanisms.
Participants were provided with in-depth insights into GPEI’s strategic plans, the progress achieved thus far, and actionable steps needed to ensure the success of global eradication efforts. This collaboration exemplifies the crucial role of international partnerships in tackling major health challenges and advancing towards a polio-free world.
Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to polio eradication is evident in its support of 15 projects, totaling approximately US$40 million, and its provision of critical vaccination services to millions globally. The workshop marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the collective global resolve to eliminate polio and underscores Saudi Arabia’s vital contribution to this essential cause.
