The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center announced the conclusion of its volunteer medical program, “Noor Saudi Arabia,” to combat blindness and its causes in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The campaign, which ran from January 31 to February 6, achieved remarkable success, with a team of Saudi volunteers providing specialized medical services to thousands of beneficiaries, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading humanitarian role on the international stage.
During the program's implementation, the volunteer medical team of four ophthalmologists examined 3,830 patients and provided 984 pairs of eyeglasses to those in need. They also performed 455 successful cataract surgeries, restoring the patients' sight and significantly improving their quality of life.
General context and importance of the initiative
This initiative comes at a critical time for the health sector in Syria, which has faced immense challenges over the past years as a result of the ongoing crisis. This has led to the deterioration of medical infrastructure and shortages of specialized personnel, medicines, and supplies, making access to healthcare, particularly in specialized fields like ophthalmology, extremely difficult for many. Therefore, the importance of such programs, which provide direct and tangible support and help alleviate the burden on the local health system, becomes clear.
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center: A global humanitarian arm
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, established in 2015, is the humanitarian arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, implementing relief and humanitarian projects in dozens of countries around the world without discrimination. Volunteer medical programs, such as the “Noor Saudi” program, are a key part of the Center’s strategy, which focuses on providing high-quality assistance that has a lasting impact on the lives of beneficiaries. The Center’s programs cover various vital sectors, including health, food security, education, and water and sanitation.
Expected impact and future prospects
The success of this campaign extends beyond its direct medical impact to encompass deeper humanitarian and social dimensions. Locally, these operations contribute to the reintegration of individuals into their communities, enabling them to resume normal lives and participate in economic activity. Regionally and internationally, this initiative reinforces the Kingdom's image as a key player in humanitarian work and underscores its commitment to assisting brotherly and friendly nations in times of hardship. This project is part of a series of humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom to support the medical sector and assist patients suffering from eye diseases in various countries around the world.
