AFD and Qatar Fund for Development strengthen their cooperation to support the expansion of Saint Joseph Hospital in East Jerusalem

The partnership was formalized during a high-level ceremony attended by Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD, H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of QFFD, and H.E. Fahad Al Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, alongside representatives of Saint Joseph Hospital.

Founded in 1954 and under French diplomatic protection, Saint Joseph Hospital plays a central role within the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network, providing care to nearly 110,000 patients every year. To meet growing needs and strengthen service quality, the hospital is undertaking a major modernization and expansion program. The project is financed through combined contributions from Saint Joseph Hospital (USD 14.5 million), AFD (€12 million in concessional financing complemented by a €1 million EU grant via the PEEB Med initiative), and QFFD (USD 6.95 million).

The planned investments will significantly expand specialized medical capacity, including through the construction of a modern outpatient clinical building and a new Intensive Care Unit. They will also enhance staff training and integrate high-performance, energy-efficient infrastructure designed to improve both environmental sustainability and patient wellbeing.

“This cooperation with QFFD demonstrates what we can achieve when we pool resources and expertise for people’s health and dignity. We are proud to stand alongside Saint Joseph Hospital — a vital institution for the Palestinian population — and to strengthen access to high-quality care in East Jerusalem,” said Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD.

This initiative represents one of the first major co-financing partnerships between AFD and QFFD, built on shared procurement and reporting standards. It marks an important milestone in the relationship between the two institutions and creates solid foundations for future collaborations in Palestine and in other regions where both organizations are committed to delivering meaningful impact in essential public services.

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