Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS)’s mission in Yemen has completed the second phase of a project to distribute cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection machines to 430 needy infants with hydrocephalus, at a total cost of $120,000 (QR436,800).
This phase has covered 100 children, according to a press statement from QRCS. Preparations are now under way for the third phase, which is planned to commence this month.
The purpose of the project is to reduce mortality rate from hydrocephalus, mitigate its complications, improve the well-being of patients to enable them to live normally, help poor families with hydrocephalic members and promote solidarity and compassion in society.
The CSF collection machines were purchased by the Charitable Society for Social Welfare, while the Handicapped Welfare and Rehabilitation Fund (HWRF) was contracted to perform the implantations for free.
In a statement, Dr Mohamed al-Ahlasi, paediatrician and the head of the Department of Paediatrics, Al-Sabeen Maternal Hospital, Sana’a, said: “These machines are the only treatment for hydrocephalus. We look forward to more co-operation with charities and humanitarian agencies to overcome the scarce of resources and increasing numbers of patients at public hospitals.”
Dr Ali al-Moallem, neurologist, said: “This is a significant medical project that saves many lives born with hydrocephalus. From my experience, I found that all the cases that visit us are from destitute families who are in dire need for help. This support from QRCS is a lifeline for hundreds of newborns.”
Mohamed al-Dailami, CEO of HWRF, welcomed QRCS and valued its humanitarian role in the war-torn country. 
Parents of the beneficiaries were elated. “My daughter suffered this serious disease since her birth,” said Mabrouk, father of Maryam. “We faced a lot of difficulties in Taiz and had to flee with my family. Thanks to QRCS, my daughter got the CSF collection machine implanted, free of charge.”