The continuing conflict in Syria has resulted in 6.5 million displaced people, 50% of whom are children. Due to disruptions in routine health care, overcrowding of living areas due to displacement and damage to water and sanitation infrastructure, many Syrians are at high risk of communicable; and under times of peace; normally preventable diseases. International Medical Corps, with support from Qatar Charity, will provide lifesaving health care to Syrian children displaced by the conflict. Qatar Charity's contribution of USD 1.6 million for polio and USD 400,000 for measles vaccinations couldn't come soon enough owing to funding gaps and donor fatigue. Qatar Charity's polio contributions will be matched as part of its global partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The unprecedented outbreak of Ebola in West Africa has spread to four countries with cases confirmed in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. Qatar Charity is extremely concerned with the Ebola outbreak throughout and its danger to not only the rest of Africa but the entire world recognizing the need for coordinated, sustained efforts from a variety of actors. As such, Qatar Charity has provided an initial USD 100,000 to International Medical Corps so they are able to manage an Ebola Treatment Unit in Lunsar, Sierra Leone. Leveraging its experience managing a 70bed Ebola Treatment Unit in Liberia, the organization will work to safely and effectively implement case management and isolation services for the rapidly rising number of Ebola patients in Sierra Leone.
25 September 2014
