The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is currently executing phase four of the “Little Hearts” project in Afghanistan in cooperation with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health. The project aims to provide medical assistance to children born with congenital heart defects. A medical team from Sidra Medicine, led by Dr. Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, has performed cardiac catheterizations for 93 out of 169 targeted patients so far. The project, with a budget of $416,616, also focuses on reducing morbidity and mortality rates, decreasing waiting lists, alleviating financial burdens on families, and training local medical personnel.
During their mission in Kabul, the QRCS delegation met with officials from the Ministry of Public Health and the Public Heart Center at the Children’s Hospital to evaluate their capacity to perform cardiac procedures. Currently, all cardiac catheterizations in Afghanistan are conducted in private hospitals and centers, highlighting the need for public facilities to address the healthcare needs of the population. Afghanistan is marked by long-lasting humanitarian crises caused by armed conflicts and natural disasters, leading to severe infrastructure damage.
The medical convoy programme of QRCS plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare services in crisis-affected regions. By partnering with local organizations and governmental bodies, QRCS can deliver life-saving treatments and medical assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly children with congenital heart defects. The collaboration with Sidra Medicine, a renowned medical institution, ensures that patients receive high-quality care and specialized treatments for their conditions.
The “Little Hearts” project not only focuses on providing medical interventions but also aims to build capacity within the local healthcare system. By training local medical staff and enhancing the capabilities of host hospitals, the project contributes to long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency in delivering cardiac care services. This holistic approach not only benefits individual patients but also strengthens the overall healthcare infrastructure in Afghanistan, paving the way for improved health outcomes in the future.
The partnership between QRCS, ARCS, and the Ministry of Public Health demonstrates a coordinated effort to address the healthcare needs of the Afghan population. By working together, these organizations can leverage their resources and expertise to reach a larger number of patients and make a significant impact on reducing morbidity and mortality rates. The collaboration also fosters mutual support and knowledge-sharing, leading to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery in crisis-affected regions.
In conclusion, the “Little Hearts” project in Afghanistan exemplifies the commitment of QRCS to providing humanitarian assistance and medical care to vulnerable populations. By focusing on children with congenital heart defects and working in partnership with local stakeholders, QRCS can address critical healthcare needs and contribute to building a more resilient healthcare system. Through their efforts, QRCS continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those in crisis-affected areas, demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in delivering essential healthcare services.
