Saudi Arabia Rolls Out Largest Volunteer Program For Cochlear Implants And Auditory Rehabilitation

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), inaugurated the Saudi Voluntary Program for Auditory Rehabilitation and Cochlear Implants in Gaziantep, Turkiye. The program includes 24 cochlear implant initiatives and six other volunteer programs for those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkiye. Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber attended the inauguration.

During the event, attendees watched a documentary about KSrelief's humanitarian efforts and a visual presentation showcasing children benefiting from the Cochlear Implant and Auditory Rehabilitation Program. A film also aired showing children's reactions when they heard for the first time due to the program. Another presentation featured a girl who could hear for the first time after receiving a cochlear implant.

Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed his joy at launching these humanitarian programs, directed by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, to aid earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye. He thanked Turkiye for supporting Syrian refugees and highlighted the strong cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

A Turkish child who began to regain speech after receiving a cochlear implant expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its efforts through the Cochlear Implant and Auditory Rehabilitation Program for Syrian and Turkish children. Dr. Al Rabeeah announced that this program would benefit 940 Syrian and Turkish individuals.

The program also includes various volunteer initiatives in specialities such as prosthetics, physical therapy, psychological support, economic empowerment, food baskets, and health bags, benefitting over 5,000 people. After the inauguration, Dr. Al Rabeeah thanked everyone for their support and looked forward to continued cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to enhance security and stability.

In Hatay Province, Dr. Al Rabeeah launched another phase of the Volunteer Program for Auditory Rehabilitation and Cochlear Implants. This initiative is considered one of the most significant humanitarian cochlear implant programs globally for children. In its initial phases, it includes performing 120 cochlear implant surgeries and distributing 375 hearing aids to Syrian and Turkish children affected by the earthquake.

Extensive Support Initiatives

The program will benefit 495 affected children through these surgeries and hearing aids distribution. Throughout all phases, 24 volunteer programs will be implemented, benefiting 940 individuals with intensive rehabilitation programs post-surgery.

Additionally, Dr. Al Rabeeah inaugurated the Volunteer Medical Program for Prosthetics and Physical Therapy in Hatay Province. This program provides essential health services such as installing prosthetic limbs, directly benefiting 169 individuals and indirectly helping another 69 people.

Economic Empowerment Programs

Dr. Al Rabeeah also launched several other volunteer programs: a Psychological Support Program for 750 camp residents in Reyhanli City; an Economic Empowerment Training Program offering specialized courses to support 50 low-income individuals; a Food Basket Distribution Program aiding 2,000 people in Reyhanli and Gaziantep; and a Health Kit Distribution Program targeting another 2,000 earthquake-affected individuals in Syria and Turkiye.

The cost of Saudi Arabia's aid to those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkiye amounts to $91.5 million. Dr. Al Rabeeah noted that this is part of a total aid amounting to $129.6 billion provided to 169 countries worldwide.

Global Humanitarian Efforts

KSrelief has also provided $6.8 billion to 100 countries through partnerships with 187 organisations to implement nearly 3,000 relief projects. Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to delivering humanitarian aid globally through KSrelief's efforts.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to supporting affected communities worldwide, reflecting its commitment through KSrelief's initiatives aimed at alleviating suffering caused by disasters like earthquakes.

With inputs from SPA