As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center , has provided a new aid package to the brotherly Syrian people. This package includes vital medical and relief initiatives aimed at alleviating their suffering amidst the difficult circumstances the country is experiencing. The aid includes the implementation of the "Noor Saudi Arabia" volunteer program to combat blindness in Damascus, in addition to distributing vouchers to provide winter clothing in several Syrian governorates.
The “Noor Saudi” program restores hope to patients in Damascus
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center implemented the “Noor Saudi Arabia Volunteer Program” to combat blindness and its causes in the Syrian capital, Damascus, from January 31 to February 8, 2024. With the participation of a specialized medical team of four volunteers, the campaign achieved tangible results. The medical team examined 2,100 beneficiaries and provided 451 pairs of eyeglasses to those in need. The team also performed 212 successful cataract surgeries , restoring sight to many patients and significantly improving their quality of life.
Shopping vouchers to combat the winter cold
In conjunction with the medical campaign, the center continued its relief efforts to help Syrian families cope with the harsh cold wave. It distributed 866 shopping vouchers as part of the "Kanaf" project for distributing winter clothing for 2024. These vouchers enabled 866 individuals to choose and purchase suitable winter clothing from approved stores. The distribution covered several areas, including the centers of Kinsabba and Salma in Latakia Governorate, the centers of Kinsabba and Busra al-Sham in Daraa Governorate, and the center of Khirbet al-Jouz in Idlib Governorate—areas that host large numbers of displaced and affected people.
Background to the aid: A response to a protracted crisis
This aid comes in the context of the complex humanitarian crisis that Syria has been experiencing for over a decade, which has led to the displacement of millions and the destruction of infrastructure, including the health sector. The situation was significantly exacerbated by the devastating earthquake that struck northern Syria in February 2023, further increasing the scale of humanitarian needs. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in responding to this crisis since its inception. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, established in 2015, is one of the leading international donors to Syria, providing assistance in various vital sectors such as food, health, shelter, and education.
Importance and expected impact
At the local level, these initiatives represent a lifeline for beneficiaries. Medical campaigns restore hope to patients who have lost their sight, while winter aid provides warmth and dignity to families in need. Regionally and internationally, these efforts reflect the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to its humanitarian role and underscore that Saudi aid reaches those who need it without discrimination, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a key player in global humanitarian work and a supporter of stability in the region.
