Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has sent a delegation to Somalia to make a “needs assessment” and launch a relief response for the victims of drought and civil war in the city of Galkayo.
The response will involve relief, development, and health projects for internally displaced people (IDPs) with funding from the Qatar Fund for Development.
The delegation consisted QRCS’ International Development head Naglaa al-Hajj and Africa Office in Doha headquarters head Ezz al-Din al-Galal.
The three-day visit saw meetings and discussions with local authorities and community leaders of the city.
The delegation also visited university hospitals, IDP camps, and regional office of the Somali Red Crescent Society to survey the conditions on the ground and plan for the relief intervention.
Among the top humanitarian priorities identified during the initial assessment include food, water, and healthcare.
The joint initiative seeks to improve the complicated humanitarian situation in Somalia with multiple health and development projects to support local hospitals.
In addition, part of the intervention will involve distribution of food packages and drilling/rehabilitation of artesian wells aimed at containing the crisis.
QRCS was among the first humanitarian organisations to come to Galkayo since the recent eruption of the crisis.
QRCS’ presence in Somalia dates back to 2003 with significant services and health projects for the affected populations across the country in line with optimal health and environmental standards.
According to humanitarian reports, the drought and civil war between the two belligerent parts of the city have affected more than 250,000 people.
