QRCS, IsDB co-sponsor 1,079 cataract surgeries in Mauritania [EN/AR]

February 6 th , 2024 ― Doha, Qatar: In cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the National Blindness Control Program of Mauritania’s Ministry of Health (MOH), phase 2 of the medical convoy to treat eye diseases in Mauritania was completed, through the Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital in Boutilimit, operated by QRCS with funding from Education Above All (EAA).

Under phases 1 and 2, there were 1,097 cataract surgeries, 39 pterygium operations, and 5,629 medical examinations for the benefit of poor and older persons at risk of blindness. Phase 3 is in progress, with a target of 800 surgeries and 2,000 medical examinations for patients in the R’Kiz,
Tintane, and Timbedra departments.

Dr. Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, Director of Relief and International Development Division at QRCS, stated “The project involves multiple medical and surgical campaigns to detect eye diseases and perform cataract surgeries over six months. It seeks to help the poor patients and alleviate their suffering, amid difficult economic conditions of the population and limited medical resources at local hospitals”.

“I would like to thank IsDB for constantly supporting such projects that have far-reaching health and social outcomes for the target beneficiaries and help reduce disability and loss of sight,” he added.

With a budget of $146,000, the six-month project’s plan is divided into three phases covering 11 poor departments of the country. In total, it targets 2,000 surgeries and 6,000 medical examinations for the people of poor and inaccessible areas lacking adequate health care services in seven regions — Brakna, Hodh El Gharbi, Guidimaka, Trarza, Assaba,
Tagant, and Gorgol.

The Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital was established in 2007, under the supervision of, and with support from, EAA, which seeks to change the world by providing education opportunities for marginalized children and youths, believing that education is the best way out of poverty, towards just and peaceful communities that unleash the full potential of every child and youth. Also, education is a fundamental right for all children and one of the key pillars of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It pursues the strategic goal of providing high-quality health care at affordable prices for the poor, to avoid the need to travel for treatment in Nouakchott or abroad.

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About Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)

Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is Qatar’s first humanitarian and volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 192 National Societies. It is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent (ICIC) and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian and social efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.

Both locally and internationally, QRCS has relief and development operations in numerous countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. Its humanitarian mandates include disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and risk reduction. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, food, water, shelter, and other needs of local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy front.

With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity, inspired by the seven Fundamental Principles of humanitarian action: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality