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QRCS sends medical convoy to treat eye diseases in Sudan [EN/AR]

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November 9 th, 2018 ― Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has sent a medical convoy to Sudan, on a medical mission of treating 4,000 patients and performing 500 cataract surgeries in El-Obeid, the state of North Kurdufan.

The project is implemented in partnership with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, the Ministry of Health's provincial office, and the National Health Insurance Fund.

Over seven days, a group of physicians from Qatar will examine the patients, prescribe medications and eyeglasses for them, and perform cataract surgeries. "This project is one of a series of medical convoys to be sent to Sudan, one for treatment of South Sudan refugees in the state of White Nile late this year, and another to treat orofacial cleft and urinary fistula in the state of South Darfur early next year," said Ahmed A. Al-Khulaifi, head of mission. "Such projects," he explained, "reflect QRCS's strategy of serving humanity and helping the vulnerable everywhere. This is a long-cherished tradition in Qatar.

From our ancestors, we have learnt to stand by the victims of disasters, crises, and diseases. Eye diseases are serious health problems that impact the life of the patient and his/her family as a whole. "This and other medical convoys have been possible only with the support from the benevolent people of Qatar, who greatly contribute to QRCS's humanitarian activities. We hope this trend will continue, in order for us to help more and more needy people. "Over the past few years, we have made remarkable achievements in Sudan. Our track record there includes health care, water and sanitation, education, food security, livelihood, emergency relief, and social harmony projects. In all those portfolios, we work together with, and are supported by, a wide range of Qatari institutions, local authorities and organizations of Sudan, and international and UN agencies. By virtue of the concerted efforts, more than 890,000 lives have been improved. "Through our representation office in Sudan, several projects are in progress, with funding from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). These include the construction of services complexes and solar-powered water stations, development and rehabilitation of health facilities, support of voluntary return villages, and control of communication diseases. By all of this, we aim to establish reconstruction, stability, and peace under the umbrella of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD)," Mr. Al-Khulaifi concluded.

Since 2002, QRCS has sent many eye treatment convoys, supported departments of ophthalmology at hospitals, and conducted schoolchildren eye disease surveys in 10 countries: Sudan, Pakistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Lebanon, Palestine,
Niger, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh.

Overall, some 1,072,500 poor patients benefited from medical examinations, optical aids, eye surgeries, and medicines.

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About Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS)
Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.

QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 190 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.

QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. QRCS's humanitarian actions include providing support in disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare, and social development to local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian advocacy front. With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.
QRCS works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.