NEW YORK, 25 September 2026 – The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a new US$5 million initiative to strengthen civilian health services in Ukraine. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, alongside a broader cooperation framework establishing the basis for continued collaboration between KSrelief and UNDP.         

Over 15 months, the initiative will strengthen selected civilian health facilities in Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, focusing on priority needs identified with health authorities. Through targeted support to key regional referral hospitals (two in Kyiv Oblast, and one each in Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts), it will help improve access to essential healthcare for communities affected by the war.   

The support will enable critical areas of care, including maternal and neonatal health, paediatric intensive care, surgery and trauma care, diagnostics, and emergency stabilisation. Based on verified needs, assistance will include medical equipment, installation and commissioning, user training, warranties and support for safe and sustainable operation.   The partnership unites KSrelief’s humanitarian and development support with UNDP’s operational presence and recovery expertise in Ukraine. By linking investments in health facilities with broader efforts to restore essential services and strengthen local institutions, UNDP will help integrate health infrastructure into the wider recovery of communities affected by the war. Up to 900,000 people are expected to benefit indirectly.        

H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor – Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, stated “KSrelief is pleased to sign this important Joint Executive Programme with our valued partner, UNDP, to strengthen civilian health service delivery in Ukraine. Working together, we can save and improve lives by providing urgent recovery and development support to the civilian healthcare system across several regions of the country.”   

“Strong health services help communities stay resilient during difficult times,” said UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo. “Through this partnership with KSrelief, we will help hospitals provide essential care to people who need it most. This support goes beyond equipment. It strengthens local health services, supports recovery, and helps communities rebuild for the future.”   

Support will be delivered in consultation with national and regional partners and the beneficiary health facilities. Equipment packages and related support will be tailored to verified needs, with attention to quality assurance, training, maintenance and longer-term functionality.   

The signing marks an important milestone in cooperation between KSrelief and UNDP, and provides a basis for continued joint action in support of Ukraine’s recovery and the resilience of essential public services.   

About KSrelief   

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) was established under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Inaugurated in May 2015, KSrelief has provided impartial humanitarian aid and relief to over 100 countries in cooperation with local, regional and international organizations. Learn more at www.ksrelief.org/en     

About UNDP   

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. In Ukraine, UNDP supports recovery, resilience and sustainable development in partnership with the Government, communities and international partners. Learn more at www.undp.org      

Media enquiries:   

KSrelief Headquarter: Fanar Alshehri,  international communication and media centre | ICMC@KSrelief.org     

UNDP in Ukraine: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org , +380504860724