Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a specialised cochlear implant and hearing-rehabilitation programme in Abuja, targeting children with severe hearing loss and offering up to 30 surgical interventions at the National Hospital.
The initiative, implemented through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), aims to restore hearing and support full social integration for affected children.
Mr Saad Al-Marri, Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy, says the programme demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian support across Africa. “This programme reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening health systems in friendly nations,” he says. “Through KSRelief, we deliver tangible solutions that restore hope and transform lives.”
Officials say the programme offers a full continuum of care—assessment, surgery, follow-up, auditory training and speech rehabilitation—representing a transformative intervention for children who previously had limited access to specialised treatment.
KSRelief has maintained a growing humanitarian footprint in Nigeria, supporting medical outreach, disease-control efforts and crisis-related relief programmes. Al-Marri says the cochlear initiative builds on this ongoing engagement and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment under King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Nigerian health authorities partnering on the initiative say the programme will significantly boost local capacity for managing childhood hearing loss. Families of beneficiaries say the support offers a rare opportunity to overcome communication barriers and improve long-term developmental outcomes.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Koko Maxwella 
Hussaini Ibrahim