Dr. Reem Bint Mansour Al-Saud Lauds KSA’s Readiness To Contain COVID-19

Saudi Arabia ‘acted, not reacted’ to COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi princess said.

Saudi female trailblazer, Dr. Reem bint Mansour Al-Saud, is a member of the Kingdom’s permanent delegation to the UN in New York since 2015. The Saudi princess is currently self-isolating and performing her UN duties from her home in New York City. This lady leads by example; she was representing her country during the UN 2030 agenda negotiations and is considered to this day a major figure in the fight for gender equality in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Dr. Reem holds a master’s degree in social policy and a Ph.D. in Middle Eastern studiesfrom Oxford University.She is a post-doctoral research fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government where she focuses her work on enhancing Saudi labor policies, especially those concerned with women. She recently spoke with Arab News about Saudi Arabia’s proactive role during the pandemic, healthcare, and women empowerment.

By Rea Haddad

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1. Saudi Arabia’s readiness during the pandemic

“Saudi Arabia acted, not reacted, to the pandemic […] There were combined efforts from multiple government entities to test, treat and contain — all essential elements in coping with pandemics. The Ministry of Health is stepping up efforts in testing and in the provision of treatments for those in need. Provinces and municipalities are doing their part to contain the spread of the virus while also providing basic needs.”

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3. Saudi Arabia’s accessible healthcare system in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal

“The Kingdom already provides free healthcare for all its citizens, which is an important element in a strong healthcare infrastructure, necessary to weather this pandemic. Moreover, the gender gap in the sector is minimal, ensuring that everyone has equal access to proper health care […] This is why it is important to have resilient infrastructures that support the livelihood of all people and allow them to bounce back.”

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4. Saudi Arabia’s promise to support international organizations in the fight against COVID-19

“In the spirit of multilateralism, Saudi Arabia has donated $10 million to the World Health Organization to step up international support, in addition to leading the G20 combined pledge of $5 trillion.”

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5. How the country’s experience with MERS impacted their handling of this pandemic disease

“A strong healthcare infrastructure and the implementation of a strict code of conduct guidelines are essential to contain the virus. Lessons were learned from the MERS outbreak, as well as how to manage millions of pilgrims during hajj and umrah, where the prevalence of respiratory illnesses ranges between 50-90 percent of pilgrims. This is why strict measures had to be taken to contain this virus as well.”

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6. Saudi Arabia’s continuous strides for women empowerment

“In line with Vision 2030, many social and economic policies have been adopted in Saudi Arabia that allow women to be agents of change and self-empowerment, including equal work opportunities and pay, driving and travel. One cannot underestimate the value that women bring to the workforce to foster sustainable economic growth.”

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Dr. Reem Bint Mansour Al-Saud Lauds KSA’s Readiness To Contain COVID-19

Saudi Arabia ‘acted, not reacted’ to COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi princess said.

1. Saudi Arabia’s readiness during the pandemic

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