As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts to assist those in need around the world, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center the "Noor Saudi Arabia Volunteer Program" to combat blindness and its causes in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The campaign took place from January 31 to February 6, with the participation of a volunteer medical team consisting of four consultants and specialists in ophthalmology.
The campaign achieved tangible results, alleviating the suffering of thousands of patients. The center's medical team examined 3,830 beneficiaries across various age groups. Services provided included 455 successful cataract surgeries, and the distribution of 984 pairs of eyeglasses to those in need, reflecting the high level of expertise of the medical team and the quality of services provided.
Humanitarian context and support for the health sector
This initiative comes at a time when the health sector in Syria is facing significant challenges due to the circumstances the country has endured in recent years, leading to shortages of medical equipment and specialized personnel in some areas. Campaigns to combat blindness are of paramount importance in this context, as eye diseases, particularly cataracts, are among the leading causes of treatable visual impairment. However, the cost of surgery is often a barrier for low-income groups.
The “Noor Saudi Arabia” program is one of the leading programs implemented by the King Salman Relief Center in many Arab, Islamic and African countries, with the aim of reducing cases of treatable blindness and promoting visual health for the most needy communities, based on the pioneering role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in global humanitarian work.
The social and economic impact of the campaign
The importance of this program extends beyond the medical aspect to encompass profound social and economic dimensions. Restoring sight means a patient can return to a normal life, enabling them to work and be productive, thus easing the burden on their family and community. For children, it means returning to school and building a better future, while for the elderly, it means regaining their independence and ability to care for themselves.
These efforts reflect the deep fraternal ties between the Saudi and Syrian peoples, and affirm the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Relief Center, to provide medical and relief support to those affected without discrimination, and in pursuit of achieving sustainable health development in brotherly and friendly countries, in line with the Kingdom’s vision of spreading goodness and peace.
