Dr. Al Rabiea Launches “Hearing Saudi Arabia” Volunteer Program for Cochlear Implants and Auditory Rehabilitation in Tunisia

The inauguration of the Saudi Arabia Volunteer Program for Cochlear Implantation and Hearing Rehabilitation in Tunisia was led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah yesterday in the capital, Tunis. The event was attended by the Tunisian Minister of Health, Mustafa Al-Farjani, as well as the Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Suqair, along with diplomats and representatives of various Arab and international organizations, and media outlets.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah conveyed greetings from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the people of Tunisia, wishing them a future full of progress and prosperity. He expressed his delight in the significant participation of Saudi medical staff in launching the Saudi Volunteer Program for Cochlear Implantation and Hearing Rehabilitation in Tunisia, emphasizing the long-standing strong relationship between the two brotherly countries spanning almost a century.

Emphasizing the humanitarian and voluntary work as an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s identity, Dr. Al-Rabeeah highlighted how it goes beyond just material assistance to become a civilizational vision that restores hope to those in need, strengthens bonds between people, and revives the spirit of solidarity among all human beings. The establishment of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid aimed to institutionalize this humanitarian legacy, promptly responding to calls for assistance worldwide, having implemented nearly 4,000 projects in 106 countries over the past decade, costing around 8 billion U.S. dollars.

The Saudi Hearing Program, celebrated for its profound humanitarian impact, has enabled thousands of children to hear their mothers’ voices for the first time, bringing hope to families witnessing their children speak their first words. Dr. Al-Rabeeah concluded by stating that the purpose of expanding this pioneering program in Tunisia through four volunteer projects is to conduct 50 cochlear implant surgeries and train 50 families on installing and using hearing aids. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of the impact and foster relationships between healthcare professionals in both countries, facilitating the exchange of expertise.

These humanitarian efforts are part of the voluntary programs organized by Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Center for Relief to support the healthcare sector in needy countries and improve medical services provided to patients.