Saudi Fund for improved healthcare

T

he Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) says it will continue to support Malawi’s development needs in key areas of health, energy and transport.

SFD director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Azzam Al-Barrak, was speaking on the sidelines of the opening of Phalombe District Hospital by President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday.

He said SFD has provided funding for the hospital through a $12 million (about K12.4 billion) soft loan to the Malawi Government.

Al Barrak said: “The latest round of funding for Phalombe brings SFDs total commitment to Malawi to more than $36 million [about K37.3 billion] for different development projects for the country in recent years.”

Phalombe District Hospital will serve residents in the rural areas of the district by addressing poverty, combatting diseases, and reducing mortality rates among children, he said.

SFD in the statement said its involvement in Malawi has contributed to the development of a range of vital industries and fields, including the water, health, energy, and transport sectors.

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represented by SFD for its commitment to help Malawi overcome persistent infrastructure challenges.

“Such effective joint partnerships will help to contribute to Malawi’s growth and progress.

“Phalombe hospital will play an important role in safeguarding rural people in the region lead healthier, happier lives through the provision of high-quality health care,” she said.

SFDs partnership with Malawi dates back to 2009 and has seen the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s investment fund facilitate three sectoral projects in the country, according to the statement. 

The fund was established by the Royal Decree as a government organisation that provides soft loans and grants to finance development projects and programmes in developing countries.n