KSrelief Implements 799 Volunteer Medical Programs in 50 Countries
n a world increasingly marked by humanitarian challenges, natural disasters, and crises, volunteer work stands as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between need and relief. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, guided by Vision 2030, places a strong emphasis on fostering volunteerism, aiming to raise awareness of its value, enhance its effectiveness, and create an environment conducive to expanding its reach. Its effort aspires to grow the number of volunteers in the Kingdom to 1 million.
At the forefront of such efforts is the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), a global leader in humanitarian, relief, and volunteer activities. Since its inception, KSrelief has executed 3,135 projects valued at over $7 billion across 106 countries, solidifying its position as a global model in humanitarian work. Recognizing the importance of engaging citizens in its mission, KSrelief offers opportunities for volunteers to participate in its global relief initiatives, transferring expertise to local health professionals in beneficiary countries.
In 2019, KSrelief launched the Saudi Portal for External Volunteering (https://volunteer.ksrelief.org/), enabling those interested to register for its programs. The center has implemented 799 volunteer programs across medical and training fields, performing over 193,000 specialized surgeries and benefiting 2 million individuals in 50 countries.
Among its hallmark initiatives is the Noor Saudi Volunteer Program to Combat Blindness and its Causes, launched in September 2019. Specializing in cataract (white water) surgeries, this program has operated in at least 36 countries, delivering more than 460 projects and benefiting 1.8 million people. It has conducted over 180,000 surgeries, distributed 460,000 eyeglasses, and offered medical examinations and clinics.
The Saudi Pulse Volunteer Program for Heart Diseases and Surgery, launched in 2020, has provided lifesaving heart procedures in 16 countries. The program has completed 108 volunteer medical programs, including open-heart surgeries and catheterizations, benefiting over 11,000 patients, while training local healthcare teams and providing necessary medications.
e on the Syrian-Turkish border in February 2023, KSrelief launched the Saudi “Hayat” Volunteer Program. The initiative delivered critical medical care in specialties such as first aid, orthopedic surgery, burn treatment, and prosthetic limb installation.
Additionally, KSrelief introduced the Saudi Hearing Volunteer Program, which launched in July 2024, focusing on cochlear implant surgeries for Syrian and Turkish children. The unprecedented program aims to conduct 940 cochlear implant operations and distribute 3,000 hearing aids.
The Saudi Athar Program, introduced in 2024, provides medical support to Sudan, implementing volunteer projects in urology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and cataract surgeries. It has benefited more than 130,000 people, further demonstrating the center’s commitment to addressing diverse medical needs globally.
On International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, celebrated annually on December 5, KSrelief joins the world in honoring the sacrifices and efforts of volunteers. The occasion serves as a reminder of the vital role volunteerism plays in alleviating human suffering and underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering a culture of giving.
Through its vast network of initiatives, KSrelief continues to stand as a testament to the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to humanity, offering hope and relief to millions worldwide.
