The National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Health Organization to strengthen health services for children with cancer in Libya.

The MoU, which is worth $ 5.7, was inked at the NOC's HQ in Tripoli by the Corporation's head Mustafa Sanalla, and a WHO representative, in addition to representatives from the NOC's international partners (Eni, Repsol, and Total Energy), who will also contribute to the agreement.

Sanalla said that this marks a historic moment for the health system in Libya as he expressed his appreciation to the WHO and the NOC partners.

"The children are the most vulnerable group in the society, so they require our special attention," Sanalla said, reiterating that they will take all measures to support the health care service in Libya and the social service programs implemented with the Corporation partners in Libya.

"We hope to see the continuation of good production and the flow of oil this year so our partners could contribute more and more," the NOC head added.

For its part, the WHO said it will use this "generous donation" to procure medicines, supplies and equipment for seven hospitals that are treating child cancer patients.

"The funding will ensure that 722 children enrolled for cancer treatment in the main pediatric hospitals in Tripoli and Benghazi will receive specialized care over a period of 18 months, the WHO explained.