More than 7.2mn people benefited from QRCS projects in 2017

Morethan 91,000 people in Qatar and 7.2mn internationally have benefitedfrom Qatar Red Crescent Society’s (QRCS) various projects in 2017, itwas announced.QRCS’ operations covered 25 countries in the fields ofhealthcare, shelter, water and sanitation, food security, training, andother relief aid.“QRCS’ 2017 results further show a firm belief inits strategic mission of social development in Qatar, as well as reliefof the vulnerable around the world,” said QRCS president Dr Mohamed binGhanem al-Ali al-Maadheed, who chaired a recent board of directors’meeting aimed at mapping the organisation’s strategy and action plan forthe coming 12 months.The meeting was attended by Dr Aisha Yousefal-Mannai, vice-president, and all the board members Dr Abdul-Salamal-Qahtani, Mohamed al-Yami, Fatima al-Khulaifi, Saleh Ali al-Mohannadi,Dr Abdullah al-Naimi, Dr Talal al-Abdullah, Ali Hassan al-Hammadi, DrKhaled al-Sulaiti, and Omar Hussain Alfardan. Executive directors ofQRCS divisions were also present.“In co-operation with thegovernment, non-governmental organisations, individual and institutionaldonors, we redoubled our efforts and conducted projects worthQR167,047,749,” he noted.QRCS’ major operations were conducted inSyria (refugees in Turkey and Lebanon), Palestine (Gaza and the WestBank), Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia — together taking a cost ofQR124,310,878.At the local front, QRCS manages three Workers’ HealthCentres and three Medical Commission Units commissioned by the Ministryof Public Health. These health facilities served 716,000 and 92,940clients, respectively.More than 90,000 people had access to QRCS’social services in Doha and Al Khor, including healthcare, academicassistance, economic empowerment, and other social developmentofferings, at a total cost of QR13mn.QRCS also recruited 433volunteers in 2017, and newcomers were reported to have contributedeffectively to diverse programmes, events, and activities, registering atotal of 4,108 volunteering hours.“As a new year begins, it isimportant to review the work done during 2017, particularly the pastchallenging six months,” Dr al-Maadheed said.“The successive crisesand disasters in the Mena region are exacerbating and posingdifficulties for humanitarian action. Like any other field of activity,it is necessary to have advantageous settings in order to achieve ourhumanitarian goals. Therefore, making progress requires working harderin the face of  challenges,” he noted.