DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has allocated a budget of QR2,236,827 for a large-scale international relief initiative to implement a series of coronavirus control projects in 22 countries for the benefit of some 320,000 persons.
The target countries are: Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Laos, Ethiopia, Chad, Senegal, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Sierra Leone, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Venezuela, El Salvador, Peru, Panama and Vanuatu.
The budget would be implemented directly by QRCS’ foreign representation offices and missions, in cooperation with host partner national societies.
Ibrahim Abdullah Al Maliki of QRCS said: “The initiative is aimed at backing the efforts exerted by those countries to reduce the spread of the virus, alleviate its impact on populations, provide health protection supplies for ambulance and emergency personnel, and support health facilities and services to be able to provide care for the suspected and confirmed cases.”
He added: “QRCS will provide medicines, medical equipment and consumables for the treatment of patients. “We will enhance protection of medical professionals who deal with quarantined patients, by securing masks, gloves, sanitisers and other protective supplies. Besides, food baskets would be distributed to families most affected by lockdowns.”
Cooperation agreements have been signed with partner national societies for implementation. Preliminary coordination has already commenced and the execution process would last until the end of this year.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health, QRCS has undertaken a significant role in operating quarantine facilities, taking swabs at its workers’ health centres and deploying ambulances and first responders.
QRCS volunteers have been raising awareness at shopping centres and public places, disinfecting streets and districts and inspecting hygiene compliance. Internationally, QRCS has conducted many coronavirus control and relief operations through its missions in Lebanon, Bangladesh, Turkey, Iraq, Yemen and Gaza. This involved establishing isolation centres and field hospitals, supporting healthcare facilities, providing medical protective materials and donating in-kind medical supplies for health authorities.