The Kuwaiti International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) signed two cooperation agreements with UNICEF worth $500,000 to assist water and nutrition services in Gaza. These agreements will help approximately 223,000 people, including children.
Details of the Agreements
Abdulrahman Al-Mutaw'a, Deputy Director General of IICO for Corporate Communications, stated that these agreements reflect the organization's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and addressing urgent humanitarian needs, especially concerning children and vulnerable families. The first agreement, worth $300,000, will improve water, sanitation, and safety services through the rehabilitation and maintenance of three wells over a period of 12 months, enhancing access to water for nearly 80,000 people.
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Support for Child Nutrition
The second agreement, worth $200,000, will be dedicated to specialized nutritional interventions for vulnerable children at health risk and suffering from malnutrition over 12 months, targeting over 143,000 children. Al-Mutaw'a explained that IICO has implemented humanitarian projects worth over $4.09 million in Gaza over the past four years, assisting more than 1.6 million people in the areas of water, shelter, nutrition, and health.
He added that these projects have provided over 34.5 million liters of safe drinking water and delivered milk formula and diapers to more than 16,000 children, with a total cost of $175,000. Al-Mutaw'a emphasized that expanding collaborations with international organizations and coordinating humanitarian efforts is crucial to ensure that aid reaches those in need and has a sustainable impact, reflecting Kuwait's longstanding commitment to supporting the Palestinian people.
UNICEF's Role in the Gaza Crisis
Lana Al-Aryqat, UNICEF Representative in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, stated that these agreements support emergency humanitarian operations in Gaza, where living conditions have deteriorated and challenges in providing safe water and basic nutrition have increased. Al-Aryqat explained that improving water supply helps families safely procure food and reduces health risks, while nutritional interventions provide essential supplies and specialized care for malnourished infants and young children.
She also described the collaboration with IICO as an important partnership in two critical sectors and appreciated the organization's humanitarian experience and capacity to direct aid to the communities with the greatest needs. Al-Aryqat expressed gratitude to Kuwait, its people, and its charitable institutions for their ongoing support for children and families affected by conflicts, especially in Gaza and Sudan, adding that UNICEF seeks to expand cooperation with Kuwaiti charities through reviewing winter relief campaigns that provide food, clothing, and heating supplies for displaced families and those affected by conflicts worldwide.
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