In a heartwarming demonstration of international goodwill, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has brought its acclaimed humanitarian eye care initiative to Lagos State, offering free surgeries and treatment to thousands of residents. The programme, spearheaded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) under the “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer mission, is currently underway at the Gbagada General Hospital and is scheduled to run from May 20 to 27, 2025.
Over 4,000 Nigerians are expected to benefit from this life-changing medical outreach, which targets various eye conditions with a focus on cataracts and preventable blindness. Speaking during the launch, Saudi Arabia’s Press Attaché to Nigeria, Mohammed Alsahabi, explained that the initiative is aimed at combating avoidable vision loss in one of Africa’s most populous cities. According to him, the medical team is delivering comprehensive eye tests, performing cataract surgeries with lens implants, offering treatment for diverse visual impairments, and distributing free prescription eyeglasses.
This latest intervention is part of a broader humanitarian directive approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to improving public health in underserved regions, extending support beyond rural communities to urban centres like Lagos, where access to affordable eye care remains limited for many residents.
Since the introduction of the blindness prevention programme in Nigeria in 2019, KSrelief has conducted more than 218,000 eye examinations and performed over 21,000 sight-restoring surgeries. Additionally, the organisation has distributed upwards of 45,000 eyeglasses across northern states including Yobe, Kano, and Bauchi. The expansion to Lagos marks a significant step in covering Nigeria’s southwestern region, leveraging key healthcare institutions like Gbagada General Hospital to bring these essential services closer to the people.
Beneficiaries of the initiative have expressed deep gratitude for the timely assistance. Alhaji Isa Imam, a retired Lagos resident, shared that he had been struggling with deteriorating vision and was unable to afford the N250,000 required for cataract surgery at a local hospital. “I was financially constrained and unsure of what to do next. With this Saudi intervention, I got the surgery without spending a kobo. Now I can see again. May Allah bless them for this,” he said.
Mrs. Patience Olaniyan also underwent a successful cataract operation through the programme. After her eyesight gradually worsened and she couldn’t pay for treatment, her situation changed when she encountered the KSrelief team at YABATECH. “The doctors were professional, and the surgery went smoothly. I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” she stated with emotion.
Similarly, Demola Olayiwola, a retired official of the National Sports Commission, learned about the initiative through a radio announcement. Having already treated one eye but lacking funds to attend to the second, he seized the opportunity presented by the free outreach. “These Saudi doctors are a blessing. The surgery was successful, and I didn’t have to worry about the cost. May God reward them,” he remarked.
On the global front, KSrelief continues to set the pace in humanitarian medical missions, having executed over 3,400 aid projects across 107 countries since its inception in 2015. Its eye care programmes are also active in countries such as Yemen, Bangladesh, Sudan, and Mauritania, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s enduring pledge to humanitarian service worldwide.
As Lagos residents continue to receive treatments that will significantly improve their quality of life, the Saudi-led initiative serves as a reminder of what international cooperation can achieve, especially in areas where the health needs of the people often outpace local capacity.
