By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 1 November 2026 The Saudi Noor 2026 humanitarian programme was officially launched at Madina Hospital in Mogadishu, providing free eye-care services for vulnerable communities.
The launch ceremony on October 29 was attended by officials from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Chargé d'Affaires Saeed Al-Qahtani, along with IRVD Programme Coordinator Omar Abdulle Osman and other guests.
The initiative aims to provide eye examinations, assessments and surgical procedures to approximately 500 patients, with particular attention to individuals who cannot afford treatment.
Services include:
- Eye measurements and assessments
- Comprehensive eye examinations
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- Eye surgical procedures
Eye surgeries under the initiative were conducted over a three-day period. The programme runs from October 29 to December 31, 2026.
It is being implemented through collaboration between Somalia's Federal Ministry of Health and Social Care, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, which is supporting the initiative, and IRVD, the organisation responsible for implementation.
Somalia's Acting Minister of Health and Social Care and Minister of State, Dr. Maryama Mohamed Hussein, welcomed the support provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and IRVD.
She commended their contribution to improving access to eye-care services and urged the public to take advantage of the free services while the programme remains operational.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has implemented 168 projects across various sectors in Somalia. According to information provided, these projects have received total funding amounting to US$258,184,998.