Latest news with #Sama'aVolunteerProgram
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi aid chief launches Sama'a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief's supervisor general, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah launched the Sama'a Volunteer Program, a Saudi hearing volunteer program for cochlear implants and hearing rehabilitation, in Tunisia. The launch of the program on Thursday in Tunis was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, members of the diplomatic corps in Tunisia, and representatives of Arab and international organizations, according to a statement from the KSrelief media department to Arab News on Friday. In his speech at the inauguration, Al-Rabeeah expressed his happiness to attend this distinguished group of Saudi medical personnel for the launch of the program in Tunisia, affirming the depth of the relations between the two countries, which extend back nearly a century. Al-Rabeeah emphasized that humanitarian and volunteer work is an integral part of the Saudi identity, elevating its culture from mere material aid to a civilized vision that restores hope to those in need, strengthens ties between people, and revives the spirit of solidarity among all humankind. The establishment of KSrelief was intended to transform this humanitarian legacy into an institutionalized effort that moves steadily, swiftly and professionally to respond to calls for help from anywhere in the world. Over the course of a decade, KSRelief has implemented nearly 4,000 projects in 106 countries at a cost of nearly $8 billion. Al Rabeeah said: 'The Saudi hearing volunteer program, the first project of which we are launching in Tunisia, is one of the most prominent initiatives that KSrelief is proud of, given its profound humanitarian dimension. Through this program, thousands of children have been able to hear their mothers' voices for the first time, and hope has been instilled in their families as they witnessed their children speak their first words. 'Today, we have come to expand the scope of this pioneering program in our second home country through four volunteer projects. Through these projects, 50 cochlear implant surgeries will be performed, and 50 families with children will be trained on hearing aids and how to use them. This will ensure the sustainability of the impact, in addition to fostering links between health care professionals in both countries and sharing expertise.' The Sama'a Program is part of KSrelief's broader efforts to expand access to specialized health care for vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond. Commenting on the program, Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor-general for planning and development at KSrelief, said: 'Hearing loss affects each child differently. Some are born with it, others lose it later, but what they share is the potential to connect, learn and thrive when given the right care. That is what this program is here to support.' KSrelief launched the Sama'a Volunteer Program in Kenya last week with children from Somalia also among the expected beneficiaries of this vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss. These humanitarian efforts are part of the volunteer programs organized by the Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, to support the health sector in countries in need and improve medical services provided to patients.
Arab News
18-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
KSrelief offers vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss in Kenya
Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has launched the Sama'a Volunteer Program, a Saudi-led program for cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation in Kenya, offering vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center's media department told Arab News on Friday that the program will provide 25 cochlear implant surgeries at Avenue Hospital in Nairobi and support 50 families with post-operative training in speech therapy and auditory rehabilitation. 'A team of 19 specialized medical volunteers will carry out the procedures and training over the coming days,' said KSrelief. The launch event was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Kenya Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Salman; Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's minister of health; and Jibril Ibrahim Abdullahi, ambassador of Somalia to Kenya. Children from Somalia are also among the expected beneficiaries, highlighting the program's regional scope. Commenting on the program, Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor-general for planning and development at KSrelief, said: 'Hearing loss affects each child differently. Some are born with it, others lose it later, but what they share is the potential to connect, learn and thrive when given the right care. That is what this program is here to support.' The Sama'a Saudi Program is part of KSrelief's broader efforts to expand access to specialized healthcare for vulnerable communities across Africa and beyond. The Kenyan Ministry of Health posted on X: 'Cabinet Secretary of Health Aden Duale launched the Volunteer Medical Porgram for Cochlear Implantation and Audio Rehabilitation for Children at a Nairobi hotel, in partnership with KSrelief. The initiative brings together advanced technology and skills transfer to support children with hearing loss. 'Aligned with Kenya's National Ear and Hearing Care Strategic Plan (2023–2028) and UHC goals, the program is part of efforts to reverse the causes of childhood hearing loss through a comprehensive, person-centered approach.' Duale highlighted the inclusion of hearing devices in the Kenya Essential Medical Supplies List (2023) and partial coverage for cochlear implants under the SHA benefits package. The donation targeting 1,000 children across Africa has so far seen the implantation of the top-of-the-range hearing aids to 30 children aged between 3-5 years in Kenya (15) and Somalia (15). The implants correct severe to profound deafness. Duale highlighted the importance of partnerships in strengthening ear and hearing care, and building a strong, inclusive health system. He described the collaboration as a symbol of unity in restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope for children and families who need it most.
