CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Qatar

QRCS supports Albania families affected by virus

Published: 14 Oct 2020 - 08:46 am | Last Updated: 05 Nov 2021 - 04:29 pm
A representative of QRCS handing over a food packet to a beneficiary in Albania.

A representative of QRCS handing over a food packet to a beneficiary in Albania.

The Peninsula

Doha: In cooperation with the Albanian Red Cross (ARC), Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has initiated a response to COVID-19 pandemic in Albania, by extending help to 700 vulnerable families, at a total cost of $20,000.

Up to date, five local branches of ARC have started the distribution of food parcels, while the remaining food parcels are in the process of transportation to the other selected destinations.

The selected local branches conducted a needs assessment, in cooperation with their respective municipalities, and developed the final list of beneficiaries. Red Cross teams composed of staff and at least 5 volunteers from each selected Red Cross branch were trained to deliver the food packages with respect and dignity.

The procurement of food items has already been completed. The procurement process was carried out through a public tender managed by the ARC tender commission, following their administrative regulations.

A total of 700 most vulnerable families (approximately 3,500 people) affected by COVID-19 will receive food baskets. They were selected based on a set of criteria, including older persons (especially those living alone), people with pre-existing illness, vulnerable families with socioeconomic struggles, families whose household supporters lost their jobs, and people with vulnerabilities caused by the earthquake.

During the door-to-door visits to distribute the food packages, the engaged staff and volunteers are provided with personal protective supplies such as face masks and gloves. They follow a very good hand hygiene practice and appropriate distancing, based on the guidelines of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as well as the recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO).

This project is part of QRCS’s initiative to support needy people in 22 countries across six continents, aimed at protecting 320,000 persons against the virus, with a total budget of QR 2,236,827.

These countries are Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Laos, Vanuatu, Ethiopia, Chad, Senegal, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Mali, Sierra Leone, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Venezuela, El Salvador, Peru, and Panama.

The list of activities conducted by QRCS in support of those countries includes provision of equipment and supplies for health facilities, provision of medicines and medical supplies, protection for medical professionals and volunteers, provision of food and shelter for families worst affected by loss of income, and provision of protective supplies (masks, gloves and sanitisers).