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February 28th, 2016 ― Doha: The 10-day Health Emergencies in Large Populations (H.E.L.P.) Course has lately been concluded in Beirut, Lebanon. It was organized by Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), and Qatar University (QU).
Held for the first time in Arabic, the course was attended by 30 representatives of Arab National Societies and international organizations. Its purpose is to qualify and develop relief workers in various fields, by introducing them to the major challenges of addressing the community health issues in emergencies.
The closing ceremony was attended by H.E. Qatar's Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Ali bin Hamad Al-Marri, and QRCS Secretary-General, Mr. Saleh bin Ali Al-Mohannadi, who was visiting the country to inaugurate several relief projects for Syrian refugees.
In his closing speech, Mr. Al-Mohannadi said, "Qatar began to organize this international course several years ago, but it was taught in English. Today, we are graduating a select of trainees, who are skilled relief workers. Congratulations, and try to transfer your acquired knowledge to others". Mr. Javier Cepero, deputy head of ICRC delegation in Lebanon, commended the dynamics and proficiency of the participants and highlighted the Red Crescent martyrs in Syria and Palestine. "My message to the graduates is to keep safe and continue to pursue their humanitarian contributions," he added.
Mr. Fouad Bawaba, ICRC Senior Communication Officer, thanked the organizers and lecturers for contributing their field expertise and skills. "Particular thanks go to QRCS for its great efforts to make this course possible and to enrich discussions," he remarked.
Dr. Paul Bouvier, ICRC Senior Medical Adviser, stressed the importance of extending help and care to the exposed and affected people in zones of disasters and armed conflicts. He also emphasized the need to hold this course in the MENA region, in view of its prevalent political circumstances, which necessitates the exchange of experience, successes, and challenges as well as adopting humanitarian principles, unifying efforts, and applying the best professional practices that meet the needs of victims, while observing humanitarian ethics.
In cooperation with ICRC and the University of Calgary in Qatar, QRCS had organized three versions of this course in 2011, 2012, and 2013, with a total of 76 participants. QRCS is the only organization accredited by ICRC to hold this course in the MENA zone. It is the only Arabic-speaking version of the course, which has been held in English worldwide since its inception in 1986.
This course is part of QRCS's year-round training program to build the health capacity across Qatar and the region. It covers a wide range of topics, including planning, food security, public health, epidemic management, health care systems, the International Humanitarian Law, refugee protection, psychological support, shelter, and camp management.
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About Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)
Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian charitable 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 (IFRC) in Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 190 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several Gulf, Arab, and Islamic assemblies, such as: the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Secretariat-General of the Arab Organization of Red Crescent and Red Cross. 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 charitable or philanthropic organizations.
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. As a reflection of its long-standing accomplishments and credibility, QRCS's Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Al-Maadheed, is former Vice-President of the IFRC. Qatar Red Crescent works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
For more information about Qatar Red Crescent, please contact Mr. Fareed Adnan, Head of Media Affairs, Communication Department, Tel.: +974 5583 7338, email: fareed@qrcs.org.qa.
Or you can visit our website: www.qrcs.org.qa, or like and follow our social media pages:
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