Islamic World Charity Organization signs two agreements with UNICEF worth $500,000 to support water and nutrition in Gaza

The Islamic World Relief Agency signed two cooperation agreements with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with a total value of $500,000, to support water and child nutrition projects in the Gaza Strip, and to enhance access to safe water and adequate nutrition for affected populations amid the dire humanitarian conditions in the region.

Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa, Deputy General Manager for Corporate Communications at the Agency, stated that the two agreements reflect the Agency’s commitment to continuing its support for the Palestinian people, particularly children and the most vulnerable groups, through effective humanitarian partnerships that help meet basic needs and protect children’s health and development.

Al-Mutawa explained that the first agreement, valued at $300,000 and lasting 12 months, aims to support water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions by rehabilitating and maintaining three wells, thereby improving water access for approximately 80,000 beneficiaries. The second agreement, worth $200,000 and spanning 12 months, targets specialized nutritional interventions for over 143,000 children, enhancing their health and development and reducing the risks of malnutrition.

He noted that the total number of projects approved by the Agency in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of war in October 2023 reached 184, with funding exceeding $24 million. Of these, 143 projects have been completed, benefiting more than 1.046 million people.

These projects encompassed relief, health, water, shelter, education, and development sectors, as part of a continuous humanitarian response despite field challenges. In the water sector, Al-Matooei noted that the Authority approved 15 projects with funding totaling approximately $1.5 million, which contributed to providing more than 34.5 million liters of drinking water. It also implemented interventions to support children’s needs, including the provision of infant formula, benefiting over 16,000 children, at a total cost of $175,000.

Al-Matooei emphasized that the scale of humanitarian needs in Gaza requires sustained response, coordinated efforts, and expanded partnerships. He pointed out that cooperation with UNICEF enhances the integration of resources and expertise, contributing to directing support to those entitled to it efficiently and achieving tangible impact on their lives. He added that the true value of humanitarian work is not measured solely by the volume of funding, but by the tangible impact it achieves in people’s lives, and by our ability to monitor results, learn from experiences, and improve our response to evolving needs. He stressed that the Authority’s responsibility does not end with signing agreements, but extends to monitoring project implementation, measuring outcomes, and verifying the achievement of humanitarian objectives.

He expressed the Authority’s pride in the steadfast humanitarian approach of the State of Kuwait, in terms of leadership, government, and people, and its consistent stance in supporting the Palestinian people and assisting those affected. He commended the generosity of donors and benefactors who fuel humanitarian initiatives with their support and trust, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to translating their donations into tangible impact in the lives of those in need.

For her part, Lena Al-Waraki, UNICEF Representative for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Global Islamic Relief Committee (GIRC) for its trust and partnership. She praised the generosity of the people of Kuwait and their standing by children and families during times of hardship, emphasizing that this partnership transforms humanitarian solidarity into practical responses to basic needs in the Gaza Strip.

Al-Waraki stated that providing safe water and adequate nutrition is essential to protect children from diseases and malnutrition, and to support their health and growth. She explained that the two agreements, with a total value of $500,000, will contribute to improving water supplies for approximately 80,000 people and supporting essential nutritional interventions for over 143,000 children. She added that the partnership combines the Authority’s generosity with UNICEF’s field and technical expertise, thereby supporting the targeting of resources to the most needy children and families. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to monitoring project implementation, providing technical support, and enhancing accountability for resources and results, to ensure the achievement of intended objectives. She stressed the importance of continuing cooperation and expanding the humanitarian response, and ensuring the safe and sustainable delivery of aid, thereby guaranteeing the protection of children and meeting their needs for water, food, and care.