King Salman Centre Conducts Free Cochlear, Hearing Surgeries for Nigerians in Abuja
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‎Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has launched a specialized cochlear implant and hearing-rehabilitation program in Abuja, marking a major humanitarian intervention aimed at treating severe hearing loss among Nigerian children.
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‎Implemented in collaboration with Nigerian health authorities, the initiative targets 30 cochlear implant surgeries, primarily for children, with the goal of restoring their hearing and enabling their full integration into society. The program offers a complete chain of care, including diagnosis, surgery, follow-up, auditory therapy, and speech rehabilitation, representing a life-changing step for beneficiaries and their families.
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‎The mission which started on Tuesday at the National Hospital, Abuja also includes bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) surgeries, which typically cost about ₦40 million for both ears, ₦20 million per ear—but are being provided free of charge as part of the Saudi medical outreach. According to the Saudi team, over 20 children have already undergone successful BAHA procedures.
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‎Falilat Adam, who narrated the ordeal of her nephew’s hearing challenges, described the Saudi intervention as “a divine breakthrough” after the family had visited multiple hospitals without success. Another parent, Oluchi Olanipekun, expressed joy after her son’s successful operation, noting how difficult it had been for him to communicate both at home and in school.
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‎Saudi audiologist Mohammed Albakir told PRNigeria that all surgeries conducted so far have been successful. The Saudi Press Attaché in Nigeria, Muhammad Alsahabi, confirmed that the medical team arrived in the country two days earlier to commence the operations. Beyond the children’s program, the audiology team is also targeting 20 adults for free BAHA surgeries.
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‎His Excellency the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria, Mr. Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, commended the collaboration and underscored the humanitarian value of the project. He said:
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‎“This program reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening health systems in friendly nations. Through KSRelief, we are committed to delivering tangible solutions that restore hope, transform lives, and deepen the long-standing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.”
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‎The cochlear implant and hearing-restoration initiative builds on KSRelief’s continued humanitarian presence in Nigeria and across Africa, where the Center actively supports medical interventions, disease-control programs, and relief operations in communities affected by crises.
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‎It further reaffirms the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to advancing vital health initiatives and extending compassionate support to underserved populations globally.
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