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
Nigerian Scholar Pioneers Plant-Based Nutrition Breakthrough for Elderly Care
Joel Ajayi
A Nigerian academic is making promising strides in global nutrition research, bringing hope for improved dietary care for elderly patients with high cholesterol.
Feyisola Fisayo Ajayi, a lecturer at the Federal University Gashua in Yobe State and a PhD student at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), recently completed a research visit to the Department of Food Science at Purdue University in the United States. Her work focuses on developing innovative, plant-based nutritional solutions tailored to the needs of older adults living with hypercholesterolemia.
During her time at Purdue, Ajayi investigated the development of a novel plant protein–derived nutritional hydrogel designed to make cholesterol-lowering nutrients easier and more appealing for elderly patients to consume. Research has shown that many older adults struggle with powdered nutraceuticals due to reduced appetite, diminished taste sensitivity, and a weakened sense of smell. Ajayi’s work offers a practical alternative.
The plant-based hydrogel she is developing has a unique thermo-reversible property: it remains solid at room temperature but melts when exposed to higher temperatures. This makes it an effective and user-friendly vehicle for delivering cholesterol-lowering bioactive compounds.
“This hydrogel is unique because it combines functionality with acceptability,” Ajayi explained. “By incorporating plant proteins into a thermo-reversible structure, we can create a product that is both effective and appealing for elderly patients who need reliable dietary interventions.”
Her research at Purdue includes detailed analyses of the hydrogel’s physicochemical characteristics, stability, and rheological behavior. In addition, in-vitro digestion studies are being conducted to assess how effectively the hydrogel can deliver essential bioactive compounds during digestion.
Ajayi’s work aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable, plant-based, and functional food solutions, particularly for vulnerable populations. Her research contributes to the growing field of functional foods and protein chemistry, with potential applications in clinical nutrition and long-term dietary management.
Beyond the scientific impact, her visit to Purdue University highlights the value of international academic collaboration in addressing complex health and nutrition challenges. As she continues her doctoral research at UAEU, Ajayi hopes to translate her findings into practical nutritional products that can benefit elderly populations in Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond.
Her achievements underscore the power of cross-border research and academic exchange programs in driving innovation. With scholars like Ajayi leading the way, the future of functional, plant-based nutrition solutions looks increasingly bright.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News12 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
