Qatar Charity performs heart surgeries, kidney transplants in Yemen

Qatar Charity (QC) announced that it has carried out catheter-based repairs for congenital heart defects in children, open-heart surgeries, and kidney transplants for needy patients in Yemen this week, as part of its global health interventions.These efforts were carried out in partnership with the Humanitarian Development Program and the Cardiovascular Center in the Taiz City. A dedicated team of volunteer doctors, both local and international, performed 54 surgeries, with plans to continue more kidney and open-heart surgeries in the coming period.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the conflict in Yemen, which has been ongoing for over 9 years, coupled with the deterioration of the economic situation, increasing food insecurity, and recurrent disease outbreaks, has led to the collapse of the healthcare system in Yemen. The organization's estimates indicate that 46 percent of health facilities in Yemen are currently either partially operational or entirely out of service due to shortages in staff, financial resources, electricity, medications, supplies, and equipment. This situation underscores the critical importance of providing health support and medical assistance to vulnerable populations.In a related effort this week, 12 open-heart surgeries were performed, continuing the first phase of a project that began last Ramadan. To date, 29 surgeries have been completed, with plans to conduct the remaining procedures over the next three weeks, aiming to reach a total of 70 open-heart surgeries by the project's end.Director of the Cardiovascular and Kidney Transplant Center in the Taiz city Professor Abudar Alganadi emphasized the significance of this medical initiative for heart and kidney patients, calling it a vital opportunity and a first in the Taiz Governorate. He highlighted its role in saving lives and alleviating suffering, especially amid Yemen's ongoing humanitarian crisis. He thanked QC and the donors of Qatar for their support and urged for the expansion of such efforts into sustainable projects.In partnership with Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), earlier this year, QC launched the use of the "Azurion 3 F15" cardiac catheterization device at the Cardiovascular and Kidney Transplant Center in Yemens Taiz Governorate. This device offers more accurate diagnostics and higher-quality and efficient care.