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Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar: A leading humanitarian, development partner in supporting Syria's recovery, reconstruction
DAMASCUS: The State of Qatar continues its support for the Syrian people through a wide range of humanitarian and development projects carried out by its official and charitable institutions across various Syrian governorates. These efforts aim to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and respond to both urgent and long-term needs in vital sectors, amid the conditions that have followed years of crisis and the ongoing challenges facing reconstruction. Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, Qatar Charity (QC), Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS), and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) have been at the forefront of humanitarian action. They have swiftly provided emergency and long-term aid in close coordination with international and local humanitarian organizations, and official institutions. Their interventions span sectors such as health, shelter, education, food security, infrastructure, and economic empowerment projects. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Director of Qatar Charity's office in Turkiye and Syria Karam Ali said that since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, the QC has implemented more than 4,800 projects, with a total cost of aroundآQR750 million. These projects, he said, have focused on health, shelter, food security, and education. He noted that the immediate response to the February earthquake amounted to around QR70 million, providing emergency shelters such as tents and prefabricated homes, along with food baskets and other essential supplies. Ali explained that Qatar Charity used various mechanisms, either directly or through partners in Turkiye and Syria, in line with UN Security Council resolutions on cross-border humanitarian operations, as Northern Syria has been a primary focus of these efforts. Among QC's key achievements in the region is the establishment of "City of Hope", which houses 1,400 families and includes schools, health centers, a kindergarten, a market, and integrated service facilities. More than 2,000 homes have been built, either individually or as part of residential communities, he added. As part of its Ramadan campaign, Qatar Charity hosted the 27th Night last year to rebuild 1,500 homes, he said, pointing out that work has already begun on 600 of these homes in Syria's Al-Ghab Plain and Maarrat Al-Nu'man, with preparations underway to complete the remaining houses in northern rural Aleppo. Karam Ali noted that Qatar Charity manages Bab al-Hawa Hospital and implements economic empowerment projects targeting poor families and orphan mothers through training and support for small businesses. He underlined that Qatar Charity has started new projects in coordination with Syria's Ministries of Health and Education, printing schoolbooks for grades one through nine, renovating schools, and providing medicines and medical supplies. Plans are also underway to establish solar power stations and maintain water and sewage facilities, he added. Ali also explained that food security programs remain a priority, focusing on supporting the wheat value chain and livestock, in addition to sponsoring and operating 12 health centers and supplying the ambulance system with 18 vehicles. He emphasized that project selection and implementation are carried out in coordination with the Syrian government, local authorities, and humanitarian organizations to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable people and areas. Head of QRCS's representation mission in Syria and Turkiye Mazen Abdullah Salloum told QNA that since 2012, the mission has provided a comprehensive response to the Syrian crisis across eight vital sectors, benefiting over 13 million people with total expenditures exceeding $160 million. Salloum said that QRCS was the first humanitarian organization to deliver relief aid across the border into Syria following the devastating earthquake, in coordination with Qatar Fund for Development, as aid was distributed both in Syria and Turkiye. Qatar Red Crescent also deployed medical convoys that performed more than 300 specialized surgeries and operated four mobile clinics serving displaced persons. Additionally, the Qatar Red Crescent established 15 residential villages in northern Syria comprising approximately 3,500 apartments benefiting over 60,000 people, alongside repairing hundreds of damaged homes, he added. Plans are underway for additional restoration projects and the construction of new villages, aligned with government reconstruction efforts, he noted. Salloum emphasized that Qatar Red Crescent balances urgent relief with sustainable projects, including providing medicines and medical supplies, establishing cardiac catheterization units and dialysis centers, supporting hospitals, building bakeries, and rehabilitating irrigation stations all supported by the Qatar Fund for Development. He expressed confidence that the State of Qatar will remain a key humanitarian partner for Syria and plans to expand work to more Syrian governorates as stability returns. For his part, President of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Dr Mohammed Hazem Baqleh told QNA that cooperation with Qatar Red Crescent has notably developed since Dec 8 last year, including support for poor families with food baskets, conducting heart surgeries for children, and seasonal projects such as sacrificial offerings during Eid Al Adha and Ramadan support. Baqleh noted that QRCS was active in emergency situations in southern Syria, supporting shelters with food baskets, adding that projects related to infrastructure and sustainable development are currently being prepared through joint meetings, paving the way for a memorandum of understanding covering most Syrian governorates. Cooperation between the two sides also extends to digital technology in humanitarian work, following the Syrian Arab Red Crescent's participation in a related conference in Qatar, Baqleh said, stressing that the next phase will see more partnerships and projects serving various Syrian regions. In this context, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Hind Kabawat expressed to QNA Syria's pride in its relationship with the State of Qatar, praising the humanitarian, moral, and material support Qatar provides to the Syrian people. She noted full coordination between the ministry and Qatari institutions to identify priorities and needs, with continuous exchange of expertise and reports. Cooperation programs, she said, cover social protection, education, youth support, and small projects aimed at shifting from aid dependency to economic empowerment, along with vocational training projects and consultations on developing labor and protection laws. This firm and principled Qatari commitment to the Syrian people emphasises the State of Qatar's humanitarian and developmental role, moving from immediate relief to building resilience through sustainable projects, including residential villages, hospitals, agricultural and water resource support, and economic empowerment for families. These efforts also reflect Qatari institutions' readiness to continue working in coordination with the Syrian government and local and international partners to meet the growing needs of the post-crisis phase, enhancing humanitarian security and opening pathways for the recovery in Syria.
ILoveQatar.net
19-07-2025
- Politics
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar dispatches 7 trucks carrying food aid to Daraa, Syria
As part of its humanitarian efforts, the Qatari Embassy in Damascus, in coordination with the Qatar Red Crescent and in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, sent food aid to Daraa in response to the displacement crisis from As-Suwayda Governorate. Seven trucks carrying 3,600 food baskets were sent to the Syrian governorate of Daraa. This step is part of the emergency response to meet the needs of civilian families displaced by recent events and ongoing unrest in As-Suwayda Governorate. The trucks will be delivered to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, which will distribute food baskets to families in shelters in Daraa Governorate and its countryside, to ensure that aid reaches affected families and displaced persons urgently. The Qatar Red Crescent affirms its commitment to continuing its humanitarian support in various Syrian regions, in partnership with local and international humanitarian organizations, to alleviate the suffering of those affected by recurring humanitarian crises.
Qatar Tribune
07-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Red Crescent and its Canadian counterpart launch project to support Palestinian families in Qatar
DOHA: The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross and with funding from the Canadian government, announced the launch of a joint project to support Palestinian families hosted in Qatar by providing psychosocial support services for a period of six months. The announcement came during a joint press conference heldunder the auspices of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Canadian counterpart, with the participation of a number of officials, including Acting Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign AffairsSultan bin Ahmed Al Asiri; Ambassador of Canada to the State of Qatar HEIsabelle Martin; Secretary-General of the Qatar Red CrescentFaisal Mohammed Al Emadi; Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in QatarBasma Tabaja; and a number of representatives from the Qatar Red Crescent and the Canadian Red Cross. In a statement on this occasion, Minister of State for International Cooperation HEMariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnadexpressed her appreciation for the generous initiative from the Canadian side, represented by the Canadian Red Cross, stressing that this contribution is in line with the State of Qatar's priorities in the humanitarian field and reflects the values and principles established by divine laws and international conventions. The Minister of State for International Cooperation added that partnerships between non-governmental organizations contribute to developing the skills of humanitarian workers and enhancing the effectiveness of the response, which positively impacts communities affected by crises. For his part, Al Emadi explained that the agreement aims to provide financial support worth 500,000 Canadian dollars to enhance psychosocial health services provided to Palestinian guests in Qatar as a result of the war in the Gaza Strip. He indicated that the project includes a wide range of community activities. Al Emadi added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' sponsorship of this agreement embodies Qatar's official and popular support for the Palestinian people, noting that this support encompasses both political and humanitarian aspects, through the Qatar Fund for Development and in partnership with Qatari and international institutions, most notably the Qatar Red Crescent. For her part, Martin, praised the efforts of the Qatar Red Crescent, stressing that Canada is proud to stand with the State of Qatar in this joint humanitarian endeavor in support of the displaced in Gaza. The project aims to enrich the psychological and social aspects of beneficiaries through community participation, group discussions, psychological counseling, sports and artistic activities, and educational and recreational events. The Qatar Red Crescent has a specialized relief team of 50 personnel trained to provide psychosocial support to those affected by conflicts and disasters as part of its external relief missions.
Qatar Tribune
06-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
QCS unveils liver cancer awareness campaign
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched an awareness campaign titled 'Protect Yourself' this July, in conjunction with Liver Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign is taking place at Al-Hemaila Health Centre and Mesaimeer Health Centre, in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent. This initiative is part of QCS's ongoing efforts to reach various segments of society and raise awareness about one of the most common and impactful types of cancer. The campaign particularly targets blue collared workers, who are considered among the most vulnerable groups to liver cancer risk factors. These include potential exposure to Hepatitis B or C viruses, or daily contact with hazardous chemicals in the workplace, which may increase the risk of developing liver cancer over time. The campaign emphasizes the importance of adopting preventive behaviours in the workplace, receiving necessary vaccinations, and undergoing regular medical checkups for early detection. According to the National Cancer Registry published by the Ministry of Public Health – Qatar in 2020, liver cancer ranks fifth among the most common cancers in men in the country. This highlights the urgent need to intensify awareness and educational efforts, particularly among high-risk populations, and to provide them with the necessary information on prevention and early detection. Nour Makkiyah, health educator at Qatar Cancer Society, stated: 'This campaign aligns with the Society's mission to enhance community awareness of cancer, with a focus on prevention and early detection. We have been keen to deliver our educational messages in multiple languages to ensure they are understood by all community members, especially workers from diverse nationalities. We've observed a strong engagement, reflecting the community's eagerness to access reliable health information.' She added: 'The 'Protect Yourself' campaign is part of a series of year-round programs implemented by QCS, aimed at promoting a culture of prevention and early screening, which ultimately contributes to reducing cancer incidence and mortality in Qatar.' The campaign covers several key areas, including: Definition and symptoms of liver cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, and changes in urine or stool colour. About risk factors she said 'include Hepatitis B or C infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Prevention methods, according to Makkiyah, include: 'Vaccination against Hepatitis B, avoiding the sharing of personal items, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, achieving a balanced weight, and engaging in regular physical activity. Routine medical checkups are also crucial, especially for high-risk individuals or those with a family or medical history of liver disease.'
Qatar Tribune
29-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
QCS holds awareness drive for workers
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing efforts to promote public health awareness, the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent, launched a comprehensive awareness campaign on the occasion of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed every June. This campaign specifically targeted the worker community through a series of intensive awareness events held at Mesaimeer Health Centre and Freej Abdul Aziz Health Centre, with the participation of medical and educational professionals and a wide turnout of workers from various nationalities and occupational backgrounds. The campaign aimed to highlight skin cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a focus on high-risk groups, particularly those working in outdoor environments who are exposed to direct and prolonged sunlight without adequate protection. The initiative sought to increase preventive awareness and encourage the adoption of healthy behaviours that reduce the risk of developing the disease. A key feature of the campaign was its multilingual approach, with educational content delivered in several languages to match the cultural and linguistic diversity of the workers. This contributed significantly to enhancing engagement and understanding, ensuring that vital health messages were communicated effectively. The campaign also included the distribution of educational brochures, visual presentations, and interactive sessions where participants could ask questions and receive expert answers. In this context, Nour Mekkia, health educator at QCS, stated: 'These awareness campaigns are a true embodiment of Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human health at the heart of national priorities. Since the Society's founding over 25 years ago, we have been committed to delivering health awareness messages to all segments of society, believing that health is a fundamental right for everyone.' She also outlined the main risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, including Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation without protective measures such as sunscreen or protective clothing, and Daily exposure to harmful chemicals, especially in industrial and construction sectors She highlighted key warning signs that warrant attention, such as Unusual skin spots or changes in the shape or colour of existing moles, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores that do not heal and Chronic itching or peeling in certain areas of the skin Mekkia stressed the importance of early detection, which plays a decisive role in increasing survival rates, improving treatment outcomes, and minimizing complications. In conclusion, Mekkia extended her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all supporters of the campaign, especially ExxonMobil, one of the Society's key partners in 2025, as well as the Qatar Red Crescent for its active participation in executing the awareness initiative. She underscored the importance of activating community partnerships in support of health initiatives, noting that strengthening cooperation among various institutions is a fundamental pillar for achieving comprehensive development, particularly in the health sector. 'Combating cancer is, above all, a humanitarian responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of both public and private entities to ensure the continuity of purposeful initiatives that serve the community and enhance public health and well-being.'
