Kuwait's Hand of Giving: A Vein of Hope Flowing Through the Arteries of Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and Chad
By Salman Al-Mutairi (News Report) Kuwait City, Aug 8 (KUNA) -- Amid escalating humanitarian challenges and deepening relief crises, Kuwait’s spirit of giving emerges as a lifeline for millions of affected people worldwide, underpinned by a cross-border institutional strategy that has made it a cornerstone for enhancing stability and alleviating human suffering in disaster-stricken communities. Within the complex landscape of international humanitarian action, Kuwait’s strategic role is evident in its ability to overcome logistical hurdles and secure environments in crisis zones. This approach has enabled Kuwaiti humanitarian bodies and associations to chart a relief and development roadmap extending from Gaza and Yemen to Sudan and Chad.
This approach demonstrates that Kuwaiti humanitarian work has never been merely a temporary response to crises, but rather a firmly rooted doctrine and a message of solidarity transcending continents and borders. Kuwait stands as a beacon of hope, offering an extended relief arm and unbroken humanitarian bridges to create a tangible difference in the lives of millions in the most needy areas, embodying Kuwait’s vision of preserving human dignity and alleviating the burdens of the afflicted.
In this regard, the Islamic World Relief Organization (IWRO) continued its relief efforts in Sudan by launching Kuwaiti convoys laden with food supplies and shelter materials in Omdurman, Khartoum State, targeting approximately 2,500 families affected by the war’s repercussions. This initiative is part of ongoing Kuwaiti efforts to meet growing humanitarian needs.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to Sudan, Dr. Fahd Al-Zafiri, told KUNA that the convoys are part of the Kuwaiti humanitarian campaign “Kuwait is by Your Side,” launched following the outbreak of war in Sudan. He affirmed Kuwait’s continued implementation of relief programs and projects to support the Sudanese people and mitigate the impacts of the humanitarian crisis. Al-Zafiri noted that the convoys target around 2,500 of the most vulnerable families in Khartoum State by providing essential food items and shelter supplies, thereby improving their living conditions and enhancing their capacity to cope with the current situation.
He clarified that Kuwaiti humanitarian efforts in Sudan included operating an air bridge comprising 37 flights, as well as a sea bridge via three ships carrying thousands of tons of food and medical aid. Additionally, Kuwaiti organizations implemented direct relief projects benefiting millions of Sudanese. Al-Zafiri emphasized Kuwait’s continued support for the Sudanese people, helping them overcome the crisis’s repercussions to achieve security and stability, while praising the cooperation of Sudanese authorities in facilitating the work of humanitarian institutions to ensure aid reaches its intended beneficiaries.
For its part, Ataa for Humanitarian Work Association focused its intervention in Gaza on one of the most urgent basic needs through the “Watering Palestine” project, which provided over one million liters of water to displaced persons and those affected amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Strip.
Ataa’s General Manager, Omar Al-Shaqra, told KUNA that the project, implemented under the slogan “Kuwait is by Your Side” with the support of benefactors in Kuwait, successfully delivered over one million liters of water to 33,000 families, benefiting approximately 165,000 displaced and affected individuals. He added that the project was executed in coordination with the Ministries of Social Affairs and Foreign Affairs, and in collaboration with registered associations within the Kuwaiti humanitarian framework, thereby enhancing the integration of efforts to deliver aid to affected groups. Al-Shaqra highlighted that water provision is a humanitarian priority given the difficulties residents face in accessing basic needs, noting that the project aimed to alleviate some of the daily burdens faced by families and displaced persons. He affirmed the association’s continued humanitarian efforts, supported by benefactors and well-wishers in Kuwait, commending their contributions to funding relief projects that address urgent needs and strengthen the presence of Kuwaiti charitable work in supporting the afflicted.
In a parallel development, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) strengthened its health presence in Yemen by opening the Yusuf Abdullah Al-Nafisii Specialized Hospital for Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery in Marib Governorate. This initiative is part of the “Kuwait is by Your Side” campaign in its 12th year, aiming to support the health sector and provide specialized medical services to the governorate’s residents and displaced persons.
KRCS Board of Directors Chairman, Khaled Al-Mughams, told KUNA that the hospital’s opening is an extension of Kuwait’s entrenched humanitarian approach and reflects the association’s commitment to continuing sustainable development projects that improve quality of life and meet the basic needs of brothers in Yemen. Al-Mughams stated that the health sector is a priority in the association’s humanitarian programs due to its importance in alleviating patients’ suffering and enhancing communities’ access to specialized medical services. He noted that the hospital features specialized clinics, operating rooms equipped with the latest medical devices, a pharmacy, a laboratory, and inpatient wards.
He added that the hospital will be a significant addition to Marib’s health system, contributing to providing specialized medical care for thousands of beneficiaries from the governorate and displaced persons, thereby enhancing healthcare standards and helping meet growing medical needs. Al-Mughams pointed out that the association continues, through the “Kuwait is by Your Side” campaign, to implement high-quality humanitarian and development projects in partnership with local authorities and humanitarian organizations, reflecting its mission and dedication to standing by its brothers in Yemen, which underscores Kuwait’s leading humanitarian status and its role in supporting affected communities.
Also in Yemen, Al-Salam for Humanitarian and Charitable Work Association integrated health interventions with sustainable development in its projects. The association completed the first and second phases of the “Ibsar” (Vision) project to restore sight to over 2,000 patients, while continuing the implementation of the “Fourth Al-Salam Village” project to house and support the most vulnerable groups.
Al-Salam’s General Manager, Hamad Al-Awn, told KUNA that the “Ibsar” project is among the most prominent health projects implemented by the association in Yemen, with over 2,000 surgeries performed. He confirmed the project’s continuation through new phases in the coming period. Al-Awn added that the association is simultaneously implementing the “Fourth Al-Salam Village,” which targets widows, orphans, the elderly, and needy families, accommodating approximately 500 beneficiaries after completing preliminary works, foundations, infrastructure, construction, and the drilling of artesian and surface wells.
He explained that the village includes residential towers and apartments, water and sewage networks, an artesian well, water tanks, a solar energy system, a mosque, schools, a kindergarten, a school for orphans, vocational and craft training institutes, an agricultural reserve, and a football field, making it a comprehensive development project. Al-Awn noted that the project, scheduled for opening after the completion of construction and finishing works, represents a model of charity linked to sustainable development by providing housing, services, and opportunities for education and training. He emphasized the association’s commitment to documenting its projects, enhancing transparency, and maintaining donors’ trust.
In Chad, the Tamim Charitable Association expanded the scope of its humanitarian interventions through the “Sahab Al-Joud 27” (Clouds of Generosity 27) convoy, which encompassed projects related to water, health, food, shelter, education, and economic empowerment, involving several volunteer teams serving Sudanese refugees and the host community.
Tamim’s Head of Humanitarian Work, Dr. Mohammed Al-Rashidi, told KUNA that the convoy drilled five artesian wells to provide potable water and established and equipped a Quranic study circle. Economic empowerment projects included distributing sewing machines and dairy cows to needy families to provide income sources.
Al-Rashidi added that the health component of the convoy included organizing a medical camp to perform 150 eye surgeries, alongside a camp for treating malaria and malnutrition benefiting 1,000 children inside Sudanese refugee camps, thereby providing care to groups most vulnerable to health risks. He clarified that relief programs included distributing approximately 1,500 food baskets, establishing a soup kitchen providing hot meals to around 10,000 beneficiaries, distributing 500 plastic sheets to improve shelter conditions, and providing clothing for 500 women and 500 children, as part of a comprehensive response to basic needs within the camps.
Al-Rashidi affirmed that implementing these projects with the support of benefactors and donors in Kuwait, in partnership with volunteer teams, reflects the importance of integration in expanding the circle of beneficiaries. He noted the association’s continued commitment to combining immediate relief response with sustainable development and economic empowerment to create a long-term impact.
Through these vigorous efforts, Kuwaiti charitable work continues to chart diverse paths of humanitarian giving across borders through projects that move assistance beyond meeting immediate needs to building an impact that extends throughout the lives of beneficiary communities, providing the most vulnerable groups with the foundations for better health, stability, and dignified living.
The Kuwaiti initiatives implemented reflect the broad scope of humanitarian work, encompassing healthcare, food, water, and shelter provision, alongside education, economic empowerment, and integrated development projects. These efforts demonstrate the Kuwaiti charitable sector’s capacity to adapt to varying humanitarian needs and conditions in several countries.
This humanitarian presence has been highlighted through these specialized projects that combine establishing health facilities, performing surgeries, relieving the afflicted, providing water sources, building residential communities, and supporting livelihoods. This reflects a Kuwaiti approach that combines rapid crisis response with the creation of more sustainable development solutions. (End) S.L.M / T.M.A
