Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is making strides in establishing global humanitarian principles by implementing a comprehensive healthcare initiative to meet the urgent needs of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. The fund has funded the establishment of five fully equipped health clinics and five mobile clinics in strategic locations to ensure easy access to healthcare services for the refugees in collaboration with Qatar Charity and the Malaysian National Welfare Foundation. This project, launched in December 2019, has become a crucial component in providing essential healthcare services to the Rohingya refugees in Malaysia.
Despite the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, QFFD has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees in Malaysia alongside Qatar Charity and other partners. Originally planned over a four-year period and launched in September 2019, this initiative faced exceptional challenges due to the pandemic, leading to its extension for an additional year until the end of 2024. The extension required adapting strategies to comply with evolving health protocols to ensure the safety of both healthcare providers and beneficiaries while continuing to provide essential services to the Rohingya community.
Thanks to the resolute determination and cooperation of all parties involved, the project has persevered through crises and continued to provide vital healthcare support to those in need, showcasing Qatar’s dedication to supporting humanitarian efforts globally. The health clinics supported by the fund offer a range of high-quality health services including medical examinations, prenatal services, wound dressing, minor surgical operations, health education, vaccinations, blood testing, and specialized services such as orthopedics, pediatrics, and mental health.
This initiative has had a significant impact, serving a large number of Rohingya refugees (approximately 585,756 refugees) successfully until April 2024. The success of the project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of QFFD, Qatar Charity, and the Malaysian National Welfare Foundation, highlighting the dedication and expertise of partner organizations in delivering basic healthcare to Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. A recent comprehensive tour conducted by the fund’s delegation inspected all health clinics in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian state of Johor, and the island of Penang to assess the progress and quality of the healthcare services provided.
These visits, which are part of a series of regular monitoring visits, aim to ensure the project’s progress in a sustainable and effective manner, with a focus on reaching target groups and vulnerable individuals while upholding transparency and quality standards. The ongoing commitment of QFFD and its partners to providing essential healthcare services to Rohingya refugees in Malaysia demonstrates Qatar’s unwavering support for humanitarian endeavors worldwide. Through collaborative efforts and perseverance, the healthcare initiative has made a significant impact on the lives of Rohingya refugees, reaffirming the importance of global humanitarian assistance and support.