DAMASCUS/KUWAIT CITY, 13 March 2022 – UNICEF successfully received their first batch of lifesaving’ cancer drugs’, which can save the lives of more than 4,000 Syrian children in late January 2022.
The drug related to cancer is an essential part of cancer treatment, and due to this, it will increase the chances for children to survive childhood cancer in the nation. The medicines were delivered as part of the US$2.77 million grant agreement signed by the Kuwait Fund and UNICEF in late August 2021, dedicated to procuring cancer treatment drugs for children in Syria.
According to UNICEF Syria Representative Bo Viktor Nylund’ the ongoing conflict, as well as the economic downturn, have taken a devastating toll on the children’s access to the health services in Syria for more than ten years, thousands of lives were at risk.
Furthermore, they added that “We are thankful for the continuous support and partnership with Kuwait. This high and generous support will help UNICEF reach children who are suffering from cancer with much-needed cancer treatment medication and support them and also their families during difficult times.”
The new grant from Kuwait Fund follows the latest US$ 4 million grant supporting UNICEF’s COVID-19 response.
According to ‘Eltayeb Adam’, UNICEF Representative to the Gulf area, “One more time, Kuwait Fund steps into assisting UNICEF to save lives.” “Fighting for cancer and surviving for cancer is not a small feat in any country, but the country that is conflict zone is truly the worst environment for children with cancer. With the donation, Kuwait also sends them a message of hope to those children and their families: “You are not alone, and you can survive this”.
The State of Kuwait has played a vital role in supporting UNICEF since 2010. By this, they become the biggest donors to UNICEF in the whole Middle East and North Africa region through their support to the organization’s programmes for children and their support to development aid to improve the living situation in many countries.