ReliefWeb

February 23rd, 2018 ― Doha: Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has provided QR 1 million for emergency response to the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Ghouta, Syria. Under the intervention, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is working in coordination with local partners to secure relief and medical supplies for the heavily bombed city.

Through four emergency catering hubs, QRCS is going to provide 34,500 food meals over 17 days, or 2,000 meals per day, at shelters and distribution locations designated by municipalities and community representatives.

Also, six hospitals will receive surgical and medical consumables, as follows: 2,000 first aid kits for hospitals, 200 kits for ambulances, 2,000 blood bags for the city's blood bank, 2 tons of medical gauzes, and 1,500 liters of fuel for power generators.

These supplies will help the hospitals continue to serve the beleaguered city's 350,000 population.

The ongoing military escalation has exacerbated the region's humanitarian tragedy, including the lack of food products and basic medical services. Five hospitals have become inoperable, and most of the population have resorted to shelter. Humanitarian aid providers have limited access to the distressed area.

According to the UN Humanitarian Needs Overview 2018, 13.1 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian aid, including 6.5 million at risk of malnutrition, 400,000 of whom are in Eastern Ghouta alone. Those are desperate for aid across the board, particularly food.

Eastern Ghouta have been under siege for five years now. The current airstrikes are targeting residential districts and utilities, with a toll of 200 dead and 800 wounded.

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About Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS)

Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian 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 190 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent 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 efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.
QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. QRCS's humanitarian actions include providing support in disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare, and social development to local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian 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.
QRCS works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
For more information, please contact Fareed Adnan, Head of Media Affairs, Communication Department, Tel.: +974 5583 7338, email: fareed@qrcs.org.qa.