KSrelief Concludes Prosthetics Project for Earthquake Victims in Türkiye

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) concluded a volunteer medical project for prosthetic limb fitting and physical therapy in Reyhanli, Türkiye, on August 5, 2024, following a nine-day mission from July 27 to August 4. The project involved a team of 12 volunteers from various medical specialties and was part of the Saudi “Hayat” Volunteer Program, specifically aimed at supporting earthquake victims in Syria and Türkiye.

Context and Background

This initiative underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to global humanitarian relief, channeled through KSrelief, its official humanitarian aid agency. The devastating earthquakes that struck Syria and Türkiye in February 2023 left thousands in need of ongoing medical care, including prosthetic and rehabilitative services. By dispatching volunteer medical teams, Saudi Arabia continues to address the long-term health challenges faced by affected communities, particularly in regions like Reyhanli, a Turkish border town that became a hub for displaced survivors.

Key Details

During the campaign, the KSrelief medical team provided 681 therapy sessions, fitted 75 prosthetic limbs, and installed 48 custom-made orthotic splints. The project was conducted by 12 volunteer medical professionals who specialized in prosthetics and physical therapy. This mission aligns with the broader “Hayat” Volunteer Program, a Saudi initiative dedicated to delivering emergency and specialized medical services to disaster-affected populations.

Implications and Impact

This project has significantly improved the quality of life for many earthquake survivors, restoring mobility and independence to those who lost limbs or sustained severe physical injuries. Beyond the immediate medical benefits, the initiative strengthens bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, demonstrating the Kingdom’s active role in international disaster response. It also complements wider humanitarian efforts by the international community to support the region’s recovery, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s capacity to deliver targeted, on-the-ground medical aid.

Vision 2030 Alignment

KSrelief’s volunteer medical mission in Reyhanli exemplifies the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 commitment to enhancing its global humanitarian footprint and fostering international partnerships. By deploying specialized medical teams and advanced care to communities in need, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a reliable and compassionate global partner, contributing to a more stable and resilient world—a core pillar of the Vision 2030 agenda.

20 Questions

Q1. What is KSrelief?

A1. KSrelief, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, is Saudi Arabia’s official humanitarian aid agency, established in 2015 to coordinate and deliver relief and assistance worldwide.

Q2. When did the volunteer medical project in Reyhanli conclude?

A2. The project concluded on August 5, 2024, after running from July 27, 2024, to August 4, 2024.

Q3. Where is Reyhanli located?

A3. Reyhanli is a city in southern Türkiye, near the border with Syria, which became a key location for hosting earthquake-displaced populations.

Q4. How many volunteers participated in this project?

A4. A team of 12 volunteers from various medical specialties participated in the project.

Q5. What medical services were provided during the project?

A5. Services included fitting prosthetic limbs, providing physical therapy, and installing custom-made orthotic splints.

Q6. How many therapy sessions were conducted?

A6. The volunteer medical team provided a total of 681 therapy sessions.

Q7. How many prosthetic limbs were fitted?

A7. A total of 75 prosthetic limbs were fitted during the campaign.

Q8. How many orthotic splints were installed?

A8. The team installed 48 custom-made orthotic splints.

Q9. What is the Saudi “Hayat” Volunteer Program?

A9. The “Hayat” Volunteer Program is a Saudi initiative focused on delivering emergency and specialized medical services to disaster-affected populations, including earthquake victims.

Q10. Who were the beneficiaries of this project?

A10. The beneficiaries were primarily earthquake victims from the February 2023 earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye who required prosthetic and rehabilitative care.

Q11. Why is this project important for earthquake survivors?

A11. It provides life-changing prosthetic limbs and therapy, helping survivors regain mobility, independence, and a better quality of life.

Q12. How does this project reflect Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian role?

A12. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global aid through KSrelief, delivering targeted medical care to vulnerable communities in crisis.

Q13. Was this the only project by KSrelief in Türkiye?

A13. This was one of several ongoing voluntary medical projects by KSrelief in Türkiye and Syria, part of continued support after the 2023 earthquakes.

Q14. What does “KSrelief” stand for?

A14. KSrelief stands for the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, named after King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Q15. How many volunteers participated in total in the medical team?

A15. Exactly 12 volunteers, each bringing specialized skills in prosthetics and physical therapy.

Q16. What type of splints were installed?

A16. Custom-made orthotic splints, designed to support and align limbs for improved function and recovery.

Q17. Is this project connected to Vision 2030?

A17. Yes, it aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to enhance Saudi Arabia’s global humanitarian impact and strengthen international partnerships.

Q18. Which official source reported this project?

A18. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the completion of the project on August 5, 2024.

Q19. What is the duration of each therapy session?

A19. The report does not specify the exact duration per session, but sessions were tailored to individual patient needs for effective rehabilitation.

Q20. How can people learn more about KSrelief’s work?

A20. Information is available through official KSrelief communications and the Saudi Press Agency, which regularly updates on humanitarian missions.

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