Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ard El-Insan Palestinian Benevolent Association in Gaza to launch a new project for phenylketonuria (PKU) patients in Gaza.
Dr Akram Nassar, head of QRCS mission in Gaza, said the seven-month project, which will receive $224,000 funding from QRCS, will help improve the health conditions and mental abilities of PKU children.
He commended the role of the Ard El-Insan Palestinian Benevolent Association as an organisation specialised in the treatment of metabolic disorders, including nutrition disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and micronutrient deficiency.
Dr Adnan al-Wahaidi, executive director of the Ard El-Insan Palestinian Benevolent Association, described the project as crucial for PKU patients, who are among Gaza’s “most deserving patients.”
According to him, the project involves an awareness programme about the nature and risks of such diseases and to promote medical knowledge of rare and genetic diseases among Gaza’s 80 cases and their families.
“The project will focus on providing phenylalanine-free infant formula for young phenylketonurics on a monthly basis. This will help better prevent the disorders resulting from high phenylalanine intake in children. Furthermore, we will hold weekly advising sessions for the families and make regular home visits for follow-up,” al-Wahaidi said.
QRCS has already funded a series of health projects, with a budget exceeding QR8.3mn, to develop the healthcare sector in Palestine. These interventions include the equipment of specialist labs at medical education institutions, enhancement of cystoscopy services at Gaza hospitals, support of the Health Emergency, Disaster, and Crisis Management Centre, and other major projects.
Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of metabolism that results in decreased metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. Untreated PKU can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, behavioural problems, and mental disorder. Babies born to mothers who have poorly-treated PKU may have heart problems, a small head, and low birth weight.