A delegation of Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) officials recently visited Myanmar to oversee its programmes in Rakhine State and discuss possible future initiatives in consultation with other humanitarian agencies.

The field visit by the QRCS delegation follows the recent developments in Myanmar, in particular in Rakhine State.
The visit was part of QRCS's commitment to reach those who are the most in need regardless of their ethnic, religious or social background.
The team also assessed the current situation in Rakhine State and the available services and facilities, as well as the need to provide extra services.
An inmate in a shelter in Rakhine State told the visiting delegation: "We live under a dire situation; we lack access to the most basic needs, and I feel trapped in my own country. I hope this agony will end one day".
During the week-long visit, the QRCS delegation met with all those involved in humanitarian and development activities including the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), different UN agencies like the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and NGOs.
While in Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State, the delegation assessed the progress of the ongoing mobile health clinics, which has been supported by QRCS since 2013 and contributes to improving the internally displaced people's access to health facilities.
The current health programme comprises different projects, which include, besides the mobile health clinics, building health facilities and providing training for community health workers and traditional birth attendants.
The aim of the livelihood project is to allow families to generate income, to improve the lives of the affected people.
The most recent report by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) indicated that the contribution of QRCS benefited 576 households.
These families witnessed an improvement in their financial conditions as the project provides the families with income-generating skills.
The livelihood project and the health facilities supported by QRCS address the humanitarian needs and requirements of the affected people in Rakhine State, who are facing humanitarian challenges, and provide them with access to lifesaving services.
The field assessment visit confirmed the growing humanitarian needs and the importance of a continuous engagement to ensure that the needy communities are provided with support and services for a dignified life.
QRCS's vision and mission in Myanmar combine both relief response and development services, which has been valued by the beneficiaries since the start of its operations back in 2012.
The ongoing projects supported by QRCS address the needs of the displaced people in the healthcare, livelihood and shelter sectors.
In a year-and-a-half, 80,000 people benefied from the health projects, and 15,000 hygiene kits and 7,000 bed nets were distributed.
In the water, sanitation and health (WASH) sector, QRCS established 1,800 toilets and drilled 120 water wells in 2013-2014.
QRCS aims, where feasible, for more sustainable solutions to help the people in need through the implementation of its programmes in 2017 and beyond.

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