Health
Saudi Arabia Unveils Cochlear Implant Programme, Targets 30 Surgeries For Children
NAN
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has inaugurated a specialised cochlear implant and hearing-rehabilitation programme in Abuja.
The intervention is expected to target about 30 cochler implant surgeries, primarily for children with the goal of restoring their hearing and to enable their full integration into the society.
The initiative marked Saudi’s government major humanitarian intervention aimed at treating severe hearing loss among Nigerian children.
It is implemented in collaboration with Nigerian health authorities for beneficiaries and their families, and the surgeries are performed in the National Hospital Abuja.
The programme 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.
Mr Saad Al-Marri, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria, commended the collaboration while underscoring the humanitarian value of the project.
“This programme 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,” he said.
He said that the cochlear implant initiative built on KSRelief’s continued humanitarian presence in Nigeria and across the African continent.
“The Centre actively supports medical interventions, disease-control programmes and relief efforts for communities affected by crises across the African continent,” he said.
He said that the programme further reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The reports that cochlear refers to a spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear that is crucial for hearing.
NAN
Health
NHIA Appoints Theophilus Egwudah as Plateau State Coordinator
Joel Ajayi
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has appointed Comrade Theophilus Egwudah Ife as its new Plateau State Coordinator, with effect from January 29, 2026.
The appointment was approved by the Director General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, in recognition of Egwudah’s long-standing service, professionalism and contributions to Nigeria’s health insurance system.
Egwudah, who currently holds the rank of Deputy Director (Programme) at the Federal Capital Territory State Office of the Authority, brings over two decades of experience in health insurance administration, stakeholder engagement and programme coordination to his new role.
Born on March 18, 1973, in Ineme-Ibaji River Line area of Ibaji Local Government Area, present-day Kogi State, Egwudah began his early education in Ottah Ibaji before completing secondary school at St. Peter’s College, Idah. He later gained admission into the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning.
He joined the NHIA in 2001 as a fresh graduate and has since served in several departments and state offices. Notably, he played a key role in coordinating the Urban Self-Employed User Group Pilot Social Health Insurance Programme in Aba, Abia State, beginning in 2003, including the Ariaria Market survey. Colleagues and enrollees across the public and organised private sectors have commended his commitment to sensitisation, enrolment advocacy and resolution of healthcare service complaints.
Egwudah also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Studies from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, and is a Chartered member of ANAN. He previously emerged as the unanimous Vice Chairman of the NHIA branch of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.
Reacting to his appointment, Egwudah expressed appreciation to the Director General and management of the Authority for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to deepen access to quality healthcare services and strengthen enrolment across Plateau State.
He is married to Queen Ojochenemi Egwudah.
The NHIA management said the appointment is expected to further enhance the implementation of health insurance programmes in Plateau State, in line with the Authority’s mandate to achieve universal health coverage nationwide.
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