Doha – 21st of June - Within the framework of the humanitarian efforts made by the State of Qatar in order to alleviate the suffering of the displaced people and refugees in Syria, and provide them with all their needs, particularly those of children; Qatar Red Crescent, based on the memorandum of understanding signed with the organization "Doctors Without Borders" on June 1, 2013, will continue the implementation of the program that aims at providing health care for children in "Tal Abyad" city. Under this memorandum, MSF will convert the second floor of Qatar Red Crescent Hospital in "Tal Abyad" City to a specialized unit for children, where the organization will rehabilitate this floor and provide it with full equipment. The rehabilitation began in the first week of June and the memorandum will continue for a period of 6 months.
QRC pursued this project due to the great need for proper medical care especially for children, the most vulnerable group in Syrian crises, who form the largest sector among the displaced civilians according to statistics. QRC's assessment showed that special attention had to be given to children in specific because of the lack of control on the most common diseases and the lack of proper health care for children especially infants attributed to the deficiency of vaccines and basic medicines, which in turn may result in outbreaks of infectious diseases and worsening of chronic diseases among children apart from the occurrence of the implications of negative health. This was an alarming situation according to international organizations working in Syria because the care of children's health is considered a priority that can't be postponed. In this context, the project was implemented to provide services to children in "Tal Abyad" and the surrounding countryside.
The Children Medical Care unit in QRC Hospital will include several sections:
- Reception for receiving general conditions and it consist of 20 beds
- Insulation unit for critical situations and it consist of 15 beds
- A Pharmacy to provide medication to residents
- A section that is specialized in transferring severe medical cases that needs surgeries to other units in QRC Hospital in "Tal Abyad" or to Turkish hospitals.
Referring to the cooperation agreement with MSF, the Secretary-General of Qatar Red Crescent -Mr. Saleh bin Ali Al Mahanadi said addressing Qatar Red Crescent's effort in the area of "Tal Abyad":
"Qatar Red Crescent continues to work in partnership with any credible party in order to support those in need. We aim to unify efforts among international bodies working to relief the Syrian people and to ensure that their needs are fulfilled to a satisfying extent given the circumstances. Providing urgent and proper health care services for Syrian children is in the top of our priorities since they are the most vulnerable. Accordingly we have concluded that there is a great importance of improving the efficiency of medical services through cooperating with MSF since they possess extensive experience in this area." About Qatar Red Crescent
Established in 1978, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRC) is a humanitarian organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination. QRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and operates both locally and internationally. It has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia and Africa, as well as Europe. With the help of a vast network of trained and committed staff and volunteers, its vision is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. Dr. Mohammed Al-Maadheed is President of QRC, and is also Vice-President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). For further information, please contact: Mrs. Rajaa Saleh, Director of Communications at Tel: +974 4402-7806, E-mail: rajaa@qrcs.org.qa, or visit: www.qrcs.org.qa;