QRCS announces $2mn humanitarian aid projects to assist IDPs and host communities in Iraq 31048

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has taken another step forward in its commitment to humanitarian efforts in Iraq with the inauguration of the “Little Hearts” project in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.
Led by QRCS’ Relief and International Development Division director Dr Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, the ceremony was attended by HE Meshaal Abdullah al-Hajri, Acting consul general of Qatar in Iraqi Kurdistan, HE Minister of Health in Iraqi Kurdistan, governor of Erbil, chairman of Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF), representative of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS), director-general of Health in Erbil, director of NGOs Department, and many local officials.
In his speech, Dr Ibrahim emphasised QRCS’ constant contribution to humanitarian operations in Iraq, inspired by its absolute commitment to helping the brotherly people of Iraq. These include numerous existing humanitarian activities done by its representation office in Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as a set of new health care and food projects to be launched for the benefit of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and the host community.
“In total, these projects will cost nearly $2 million and serve up to 40,000 beneficiaries,” he said.
Dr Ibrahim thanked the Embassy of Qatar in Iraq, Iraq’s Ministry of Health, local authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan, BCF, IRCS, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine, and other international partners.
After the ceremony, they visited the hospital to meet some children who underwent surgery, giving them gifts and toys as a form of psychological support.
Under the “Little Hearts” project, 70 children from across the country will undergo cardiac catheterisation procedures performed by a volunteering medical delegation from Sidra Medicine and HMC, comprising Dr Hisham al-Salous, Cardiac Catheterisation Consultant; Dr Bahaa al-Din Jumaa, Consultant of Pediatric Critical Care; and Alaa Al-Din Mohamed, Senior Cardiac Catheterisation Technician.
In addition, the medical convoy’s programme involves three training workshops for local medical professionals at intensive care units (ICUs) in many hospitals. Held in cooperation with the Health Directorate of Erbil, the workshops cover the following topics: (1) Assessment of Critical Illnesses among Children, (2) Pediatric Shock, and (3) Pediatric Respiratory Failure.