April 11, 2022 ― Doha: As part of its efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 globally and protect vulnerable communities, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRC) recently completed a project to support the efforts of the Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) to respond to the pandemic around the Greater Banjul area: Banjul, Kanifing and the West Coast.
The response focused on sensitization activities in three regions/municipalities with key messages on COVID-19, using different approaches such as caravans, sensitization in public places, sensitization at school, sensitization of door to door, community meetings, social media pages, posters. , and flyers with information on COVID prevention and vaccination.
In coordination with local authorities, volunteers distributed sanitation and hygiene materials in key public spaces such as garages, bus and ferry terminals, markets/supermarkets, petrol stations, shopping centers communities, places of worship, schools, institutions, residences of infected persons, health centers facilities, commercial vehicles and police stations.
Influential community leaders (such as imams, school principals, village chiefs, pastors, etc.) in the three regions on COVID-19 prevention and control measures, as well as misconceptions related to vaccination against COVID-19. A total of 1,449 households, or about 18,000 people, were reached during house-to-house visits, and 12 caravans were deployed to markets, public places, community centers, etc., spreading awareness messages in all the different languages of the country. .
GRCS is working with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to support case referrals across the country. Volunteers and staff have been trained to provide case transfers through its emergency ambulance and COVID-19 remains management services.
The QRCS donation helped purchase and distribute family hygiene kits containing COVID-19 control materials (such as soap, masks, hand sanitizers, bleach, buckets, water purification tablets, women’s underwear, toothpaste and toothbrushes).
Some detainees in isolation/quarantine facilities received material assistance, such as gloves, masks, thermometers, hand sanitizers, water and disinfectants.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been pre-positioned at branches to assist family members with washing and preparing COVID-19 remains for safe burial, and for volunteers and headquarters/department staff. the branch, as well as the staff of the two main mortuaries, to operate safely. terms.
This project supported both Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) and Kanifing General Hospital (KGH) with spray tanks to disinfect mortuary facilities (the two largest hospitals in the country). Training courses have been organized to build the capacity of community volunteers to actively search for suspects of COVID-19 and other priority diseases, such as measles, acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), etc., in communities. Finally, 43 health facilities received support in infection prevention and control (IPC).
End of text
About the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)
Established in 1978, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian volunteer organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable people and communities without bias or discrimination.
The QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 191 National Societies. The QRCS is also a member of several GCC, Arab and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict areas, thereby serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts – a role that sets it apart from other local charities and NGOs.
QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. QRCS humanitarian actions include support for disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare and social development to local communities. She is also active on the humanitarian advocacy front. With the help of an extensive network of trained and committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.
The QRCS works under the aegis of the seven international humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.