KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen

KSrelief launches campaign for neurosurgery in Aden, Yemen. (Supplied/KSrelief)
KSrelief launches campaign for neurosurgery in Aden, Yemen. (Supplied/KSrelief)
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Updated 16 August 2024
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KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen

KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen
  • The campaign will conduct 25 surgeries and diagnose 200 cases at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and Al-Balsam Association for Training and Health Development have launched a neurosurgery campaign at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden.

Running from Aug. 17-23, the campaign aims to perform 25 free surgeries and examine and diagnose over 200 cases.

According to Al-Balsam Association a team of Yemeni doctors will collaborate with the association’s team in the operating rooms, as well as during the examination and preparation stages for surgeries at the hospital, which is supervised by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.

Prof. Ibrahim Al-Naami, consultant and professor of neurosurgery at King Khalid University and head of Al-Balsam Association’s medical team to Yemen, said: “The neurosurgery campaign, supervised by the KSrelief, will take place from Aug. 17-23 at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden. The campaign will feature an integrated team of neurological and spinal surgeons, along with anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians, and nurses.”

Al-Naami explained that preparations for the medical campaign in Yemen began several months ago, following its approval by KSrelief, which chose Al-Balsam Association to execute it. 

He emphasized that the association is committed to ensuring the campaign’s success, adhering to the regulations and procedures set by KSrelief, which is renowned for its global leadership in humanitarian work in countries in need of such medical care. 

Al-Naami highlighted that extensive efforts have been made in all aspects, including procuring necessary surgical equipment and preparing for the campaign to achieve its objectives and uphold its noble humanitarian mission under KSrelief supervision.

Al-Balsam Association also conducted a medical campaign in Yemen last May, focused on open-heart surgery and interventional catheterization at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital. 

During the campaign, 251 procedures were performed, including 25 open-heart surgeries and 166 interventional catheterizations for adults, and three open-heart surgeries, along with 57 interventional catheterizations, for children.

All procedures were successful and were carried out in collaboration with a team of local Yemeni doctors.


Rising star triumphs in tech competitions

Rising star triumphs in tech competitions
Updated 13 sec ago
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Rising star triumphs in tech competitions

Rising star triumphs in tech competitions
  • Success of Mariam Al-Ahmar, 23, is a rallying cry for Saudi women in tech

RIYADH: In an era where technology is shaping the Kingdom’s future, 23-year-old Mariam Al-Ahmar is emerging as an inspiration for Saudi Arabia’s young people seeking to contribute to their nation’s development.

A graduate of Prince Sattam University with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Al-Ahmar recently won first place in the Mediathon hackathon, a competition organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology earlier this year in May.

She also secured third place in Tamkeenthon, a health-focused competition organized by the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities from November 2023 to January this year.

Al-Ahmar’s success story has resonated throughout Saudi Arabia, leading to appearances on prominent channels including Al-Akhbariya's "120 Minutes" and MBC's "Good Morning Arabs."

Reflecting on her experiences in the Mediathon and Tamkeenthon competitions, Al-Ahmar described her journey as “enriching” and challenging.

Trying to identify a real-world problem that needed a solution required deep introspection and creativity, she said.

Al-Ahmar told Arab News: “Presenting and articulating this issue and its remedy to the judging committee was another obstacle. However, through effective teamwork with my dedicated colleagues, we successfully navigated these challenges and triumphed.”

In an age where technology often champions individual genius, Al-Ahmar’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of collective effort and support.

“The passion for technology fueled my pursuit of software engineering,” she said. “Prince Sattam University played a pivotal role in my journey by providing me with a solid educational foundation.”

When asked about the factors that set her work apart, Al-Ahmar said: “I attribute the distinctiveness of our work to a combination of innovative problem-solving approaches, meticulous attention to detail, and a collaborative team dynamic.”

She added: “These factors, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence, set our projects apart from those of our competitors.”

She offered advice to students aspiring to follow in her footsteps. “Always remember that challenges are opportunities for growth. Embrace them wholeheartedly and work with dedication and perseverance.”

“Utilize your education as a strong foundation to tackle real-world problems creatively. Lastly, never underestimate the power of hard work, determination, and continuous learning in achieving your goals,” Al-Ahmar said.


Saudi crown prince congratulates Algerian president on re-election

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Algeria’s incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Algeria’s incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi crown prince congratulates Algerian president on re-election

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Algeria’s incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Tebboune was re-elected with almost 95 percent of the vote

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Algeria’s incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his re-election during a phone call on Wednesday.

The crown prince wished Tebbounne success and the president thanked Prince Mohammed for his kind wishes. 

Algeria’s electoral authority ANIE announced on Sunday that Tebboune had been re-elected with almost 95 percent of the vote.

More than 5.3 million people voted for Tebboune, accounting for “94.65 percent of the vote,” ANIE head Mohamed Charfi said. 

 


Saudi leaders offer condolences after passing of Kuwait’s Sheikh Bader Nasser Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi leaders offer condolences after passing of Kuwait’s Sheikh Bader Nasser Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • Sheikh Bader died aged 70 and funeral prayers were held for him on Wednesday afternoon

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince offered their condolences to the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Tuesday after the passing of Sheikh Bader Nasser Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In separate cables of condolences, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prayed that God have mercy on the deceased. 

Prince Mohammed also sent a cable of condolences to his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Bader died aged 70 and funeral prayers were held for him on Wednesday afternoon. 


Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
  • Minister Mansour Al-Mushaiti urged GCC countries to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation
  • Al-Mushaiti said that GCC meetings had advanced environmental efforts and sustainable development in the region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emphasized the need for regional and international cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, particularly in rehabilitating degraded lands and boosting resilience to drought.

Deputy Minister of Environment Mansour Al-Mushaiti highlighted these points at the 26th GCC meeting on environmental affairs in Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Mushaiti urged GCC countries to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation.

He also called for increased support from GCC national development funds for vegetation projects.

Al-Mushaiti said that GCC meetings had advanced environmental efforts and sustainable development in the region.

He stressed the importance of addressing environmental protection, climate change, and balancing development with resource preservation.

Al-Mushaiti expressed the hope that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 in December would significantly impact global efforts to combat land degradation and drought.

He called for active participation from all GCC countries, international and regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society.


Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese PM Li Qiang chaired a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday.

A welcoming ceremony was held in the premier’s honor and the two leaders held an official session of talks shortly afterwards.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang hold talks on Wednesday. (SPA)

Later, the two leaders chaired a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee. Aspects of joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China were reviewed, especially areas of political and security coordination. Opportunities in the fields of trade, energy, investment, culture, and technology were also discussed.

The crown prince and Li also discussed developments in the region and the latest international developments. 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese PM Li Qiang chair a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee on Wednesday. (SPA)

Li left Riyadh on Wednesday evening and is due to visit the UAE this week.