Islamic Charity Authority Signs Two Agreements with UNICEF Worth $500,000 to Support Water and Nutrition Sectors in Gaza

Kuwait City, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- The Islamic World Charity Organization (IWO) signed two partnership agreements with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today, Wednesday, totaling $500,000 to support the water and nutrition sectors in the Gaza Strip.

The agreements were signed on behalf of IWO by its Deputy General Manager for Corporate Communications, Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa, and on behalf of UNICEF by Lina Al-Warraq, UNICEF’s Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Speaking to KUNA after the signing, Al-Mutawa said the first agreement, valued at $300,000, aims to support water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services by rehabilitating and maintaining three wells over a 12-month period, thereby improving water access for approximately 80,000 beneficiaries.

He added that the second agreement, worth $200,000, is dedicated to supporting nutrition programs targeting children most vulnerable to health risks and malnutrition over 12 months. It aims to provide specialized nutritional interventions for more than 143,000 children.

Al-Mutawa emphasized that the two agreements reflect IWO’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and meeting urgent humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip, particularly for children and the most affected families.

He noted that over the past four years, IWO has implemented humanitarian projects in the Gaza Strip valued at more than $4.09 million, benefiting over 1.6 million people across water, shelter, nutrition, and healthcare sectors.

These projects contributed to providing more than 34.5 million liters of safe drinking water, as well as supplying infant formula and diapers to over 16,000 children at a cost of $175,000.

Al-Mutawa stressed the importance of expanding partnerships with international organizations and coordinating efforts to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients and achieves sustainable humanitarian impact. He reiterated IWO’s pride in Kuwait’s steadfast humanitarian approach and its unwavering stance in supporting the Palestinian people and assisting those affected by crises.

For her part, Al-Warraq told KUNA that the agreements are part of the emergency humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, which faces significant challenges in providing safe water and essential nutrition for children amid deteriorating health and living conditions.

She said that improving water supplies helps families prepare food safely and curb the spread of diseases and health risks, while nutrition interventions focus on providing essential supplies to infants and young children suffering from malnutrition who require specialized nutritional care.

She added that cooperation with IWO represents a vital partnership in two life-saving sectors, praising the organization’s expertise in implementing relief projects and its ability to direct aid to the most needy areas.

Al-Warraq expressed appreciation for Kuwait, its people, and its charitable institutions for their continued support of children and affected families in conflict zones, particularly in the Gaza Strip and Sudan. She emphasized that despite the challenges and crises facing the region, Kuwaiti aid continues to reach those in need.

She further noted that UNICEF looks forward to expanding cooperation with Kuwaiti charitable institutions in the coming phase by launching humanitarian campaigns ahead of the winter season to provide food, clothing, and heating supplies for displaced and conflict-affected families worldwide. (End) SLM/NWF