The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has conducted over 218,000 ophthalmic screenings and performed more than 21,000 sight-restoring surgeries in Nigeria since the launch of its blindness prevention campaign in October 2019.
The project has also distributed over 45,000 eyeglasses, significantly improving visual health and quality of life in rural communities.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to AIT by Press Attaché of the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria Mohammed Al-Sahabi, during the “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer programme held in Potiskum, Yobe State.
He said the initiative is being executed under the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al- Sahabi said the project reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian vision, championed through KSrelief to improve global health outcomes and reduce disease burdens among vulnerable populations.
He said the ongoing phase of the campaign targets 130,000 eyeglass distributions, with 400 surgeries planned and ophthalmic care services extended to between 4,000 and 5,000 beneficiaries.
The programme includes a wide range of clinical services such as diagnostic eye exams, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and treatment for refractive errors.
These efforts have significantly improved visual outcomes and quality of life indicators among thousands of Nigerians, especially in rural communities, where access to eye care is critically limited.
In 2024 alone, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, committed $47 million to support 98 humanitarian projects across Nigeria.
The interventions focused on assisting displaced persons, improving healthcare, enhancing education, and empowering vulnerable communities.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
