KSrelief offers vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss in Kenya
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
7 hours ago
- Leaders
Health Minister Reviews Major Healthcare Projects in Madinah
Health Minister and Chairman of the Health Holding Company Board of Directors, Fahad AlJalajel, recently conducted an inspection tour of key health projects at King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City in Madinah. These initiatives, led by the Madinah Health Cluster, aim to elevate healthcare quality and accessibility in line with the Health Sector Transformation Program and the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Specialized Women's Health Center AlJalajel visited the placenta previa treatment center—part of the women's health track under the Saudi Model of Care. The center supports cesarean deliveries conducted in the interventional radiology department and offers uterine artery embolization procedures, which help reduce complications and improve safety for both mothers and newborns. The minister reviewed enhancements at the emergency departments of both the main hospital and the Maternity and Children's Hospital. Key improvements include: A 101-bed capacity upgrade A new 12-bed rapid triage area A fully activated case management system Expanded waiting areas These upgrades are designed to enhance patient flow, boost readiness, and improve overall care quality. A major stop on the tour was the newly expanded interventional radiology department, which now includes two cutting-edge devices. This 200% increase in capacity is expected to significantly improve diagnostic precision, treatment efficiency, and reduce the need for surgical interventions. Technology-Driven Prevention, Treatment AlJalajel also inspected the diabetic foot treatment center, which offers integrated preventive and therapeutic services. The center uses advanced technologies to manage complications and improve the quality of life for diabetic patients. The tour included a visit to the newly opened hemodialysis center, developed in partnership with the Abdullah Alrajhi Foundation. The facility is equipped with 10 beds, including isolation and respiratory rooms, and built to top-tier medical standards. To strengthen emergency response infrastructure, the minister reviewed the implementation of phase two of the air evacuation landing strips initiative. Finally, this phase adds seven new landing pads at King Salman Medical City, Al-Haram Hospital, and other regional hospitals—bringing the total to 15 helipads across the Madinah Health Cluster. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Inaugurates New Healthcare Projects in AlUla Canadian Firms Eye Saudi Healthcare Investments Saudi Development Fund Injects $205mn into 3 Projects in Serbia Saudi Arabia turns into the largest construction site in the world, with projects exceeding one trillion dollars Short link : Post Views: 9
Asharq Al-Awsat
9 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Border Guard Rescues Three Swimmers in Haql, Tabuk
Border Guard search and rescue teams in Haql, Tabuk Region, rescued three people from drowning, provided them with the necessary assistance, and transported them to the hospital for medical care, SPA reported. The General Directorate of Border Guard urged all beachgoers to exercise caution and follow marine safety instructions, including swimming only in designated areas. For emergencies, the public is advised to call 911 in Makkah, Madinah, and Eastern regions, and 994 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Arab News
21 hours ago
- Arab News
Madinah, Islam's second holiest city, wins new accreditation as WHO ‘healthy city'
MADINAH: The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its accreditation of Madinah as a 'healthy city', after Islam's second holiest city scored an impressive 80 points in the WHO's stringent criteria, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah region, received the accreditation certificate from Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel during a ceremony on Thursday. The governor said Madinah's renewed accreditation as a healthy city exemplifies the Saudi leadership's dedication to people-centric development and enhancing quality of life across the Kingdom's urban centers. He also emphasized Madinah's ongoing urban and health transformation journey, positioning the city as a leading development model regionally and internationally, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. With the new accreditation, Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, next to Jeddah, and solidifies the Kingdom's leadership in sustainable, healthy urban development through seamless inter-authority collaboration. To be able to win the WHO's nod as a healthy city, an entrant must meet 80 criteria, including parks, walking areas, and the promotion of health through primary care centers and schools. Aside from Jeddah and Madinah, the WHO has also recognized 14 other 'healthy cities' in Saudi Arabia. These include Taif, Tabuk, Ad-Diriyah, Unaizah, Jalajel, Al-Mandaq, Al-Jumum, Riyadh Al-Khubra, and Sharurah, according to Leaders MENA Magazine.
