Damascus, SANA – Amid the decline in International aid provided to Syria by around 40% , the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) came under spotlight to prove once again its capability to encounter growing challenges and providing health, relief and humanitarian aid to those who have been affected by the crisis.
Since the very beginning, SARC has exerted unremitting efforts to meet citizens’ needs and expanded its relief programs to include providing food, basic materials, clean water and health services as many health centers and facilities came out of service due to the terrorist attacks.
SARC Chairman, Abdul-Rahman al-Attar highlighted the activity of the organization and its affiliated bodies across the Syrian provinces, adding that the organization cooperates with the Higher Committee for Relief and its sub-committees to distribute 475,000 food baskets on different areas monthly.
He stressed the readiness of the Center of Prosthetic Limbs which has been temporarily transferred to al-Mazzeh to provide its services to all citizens.
He noted that “11,000 volunteers are actively participating in aid operations for SARC,” expressing deep regret over the loss of 38 martyrs while performing their humanitarian duty in different areas.
In turn, Director of Medical Services at SARC, Hazem Baqleh, said that the organization is coordinating with Health Ministry in disease surveillance and epidemic monitoring and control, and it is a main partner in conducting vaccination campaigns.
He pointed out that the organization provided 548242 polio doses to children, not to mention its efforts to secure the accessibility of medicine and other supplies to high-risk areas.
Baqleh added that the 20 mobile clinics affiliated the SARC are operating in poor and affected areas and they are equipped with qualified medical teams who provide medical treatment and health services to people in makeshift shelters.
The organization’s activity is not restricted to humanitarian services, it also provides psychological support to the families affected by recent events, particularly children, through its consultative centers.
SARC, founded in 1942, is a non-profit independent organization with its headquarters in Damascus and 14 branches across all Syrian provinces, and 82 sub-branches in different areas. It is active in humanitarian field and adopts a neutral policy in performing its duties.
R. Raslan / Ghossoun