Doha, April 20 (QNA) - HE Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) Director General Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari confirmed that more than USD26.852 million in humanitarian and development aid was provided during the past five years to three Asian countries, namely Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the QFFD Director General explained that the provided aid focused on the education, health care and relief sectors, as aid worth USD21,095,244 was extended to Bangladesh, and aid worth USD 4,485,786 was provided to Nepal, while the Philippines received aid worth USD1,271,918.
Regarding the development initiatives supported by QFFD in the three countries, HE Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari said that the Fund implemented in Bangladesh, in cooperation with the international organization Orbis, the "Qatar Creating Vision" initiative, which aims to improve access to eye care services around the world for millions of adults and children.
He added that the first phase of the initiative in Bangladesh exceeded all set goals, as 1,132,691 eye examinations were conducted, prescriptions were written for 236,000 patients, 903 glasses were made, and 697 health professionals were trained, in addition to responding to the needs of refugee communities in southeastern Bangladesh, as 210,592 examinations were conducted for adults and children.
HE the QFFD Director General pointed out that this project is a successful model of international cooperation in enhancing access to eye health care and improving the quality of life for millions of people in Bangladesh.
As for the Philippines, His Excellency explained that the QFFD responded quickly and effectively to help the victims of Hurricane Paeng last year, as it cooperated with its local and international partners to provide the necessary relief aid to those affected, aid was provided in the form of food baskets that benefited 1,350 families, in addition to providing cash assistance to 1,250 farmers and livestock owners whose farms were damaged, in addition to providing a mobile kitchen to prepare 8,000 hot meals a day, and a water tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters to ensure the provision of clean and potable water for 38,400 people at a total cost of USD249,818.
HE Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari added that, as part of the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to help the Filipino people in facing the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fund provided in 2022 financial support worth USD450,000 to provide 50,000 doses of the Sinovac anti-virus vaccine.
He stressed that this initiative came with the aim of supporting the efforts of the Philippine government to provide a safe vaccine for citizens, as part of the State of Qatar’s comprehensive response to limit the spread of the virus at the international level. It also came within the framework of the close relations and cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines and Qatar's commitment to supporting people in facing the health and humanitarian challenges they face.
Regarding humanitarian and development aid in Nepal, HE the QFFD Director General indicated that the Fund provided medical equipment to combat the Covid-19 virus, explaining that medical equipment worth USD1,909,167 was provided in the year 2020 to help Nepal combat the outbreak of the virus. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the State of Qatar to help respond to combat the pandemic and provide humanitarian assistance around the world.
In his interview with QNA, HE the QFFD Director General added that aid amounting to USD1.5 million was provided to support the educational sector in Nepal, noting that this aid reflects the commitment of the State of Qatar to supporting education and improving its opportunities around the world.
Regarding the QFFD’s strategy to strengthen its programs in the Asian continent, especially in the countries’ most in need, HE the QFFD Director General confirmed that the Fund is working to strengthen its business strategy through 6 axes, namely education, health, economic empowerment, urgent relief, climate change and developing partnerships.
Regarding the education sector, HE the QFFD Director General said that the Fund supports educational programs aimed at achieving education for all, regardless of gender, social or economic status, as the Fund’s efforts include supporting the development of curricula, training teachers, and providing educational materials, in addition to improving school infrastructure, to provide a safe and comprehensive educational environment that enhances academic success and social development.
HE Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari added that the Fund’s efforts in the health sector are to support health programs aimed at improving access to high-quality health care. This includes improving the health care structure, such as building hospitals and clinics, training doctors and nurses, and providing medicine and medical equipment, to improve public health and the ability to combat diseases and epidemics.
He pointed out that the Fund focuses, in the economic empowerment axis, on empowering individuals and communities through programs that enhance economic capabilities and improve job opportunities, as this includes supporting skills development, promoting leadership and innovation, and improving access to markets and financing.
As for urgent relief efforts, the QFFD works to provide urgent support in cases of disasters and crises, and emergency aid is provided, including urgent shelter, emergency medical care, and urgent food aid, in addition to psychological assistance to those affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts, in coordination with local governments and international and local organizations to ensure a more effective and comprehensive response.
Regarding the climate change, HE the QFFD Director General said that the QFFD supports programs aimed at mitigating the negative impact of climate change and enhancing the ability to adapt to these changes, and this includes supporting projects related to renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water management, noting that climate change is considered a global challenge that greatly affects developing countries in Asia.
In his interview with QNA, HE the QFFD Director General stressed that the Fund relies on developing strong partnerships with local governments, non-governmental organizations, and other donors to achieve maximum effectiveness, as these partnerships help in coordinating efforts and exploiting resources in the best possible way.
Regarding how aid strengthens the relations of the State of Qatar with the targeted countries, His Excellency pointed out that the aid provided by the QFFD plays a decisive role in strengthening relations between Qatar and those countries, as this aid strengthens bilateral relations, and when providing support for development programs, Qatar cooperates directly with local governments and organizations, which contributes to strengthening ties and mutual understanding, in addition to deepening political, economic and cultural relations between Qatar and the beneficiary countries.
His Excellency added that the aid also contributes to consolidating Qatar's position as a major supporter of development in developing and least developed countries, as it is one of the prominent countries in the field of international development. This is done by providing support for education, health, climate change, food security and urgent relief, and it shows the extent of Qatar’s commitment to confronting the greatest development challenges facing the world, which reflects the pioneering role it plays in promoting sustainable development.
At the conclusion, HE QFFD Director General Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari pointed out that the humanitarian and development aid provided by the State of Qatar around the world reflects its commitment to humanitarian values and international solidarity. He explained that by directing its resources to support the poorest and neediest countries, Qatar is demonstrating its commitment to the basic principles of justice, equality, and solidarity, which contributes to strengthening its image as a country working to achieve a more just and equal world. (QNA)