Aden, May 23 (QNA) - Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Qatar Charity (QC), and Sidra Medicine have concluded a specialized medical convoy for pediatric cardiac surgery and catheterization in Yemen.

Over one week, the volunteering team of medical professionals have been performing medical examinations, interventions, and life-saving surgeries for many children with congenital heart defects.

The mission was more than successful, with a total of 107 free medical interventions for children (86 cardiac catheterizations and 21 open-heart surgeries) performed by the visiting consultant and specialist cardiologists, who were assisted by the medical staff at the Cardiovascular and Kidney Transplant Center in Taiz.

In terms of capacity-building, the program involved a specialized training workshop for the medical staff at the host center on ultrasound-guided arterial catheterization techniques, to increase their skills and enhance the quality of medical services provided for critical cases, particularly in pediatrics.

During the closing ceremony, the medical team was recognized for their dedicated efforts to serve and take care of the Yemeni children with heart conditions. The ceremony also honored the representatives of the three partners — QRCS, QC, and Sidra Medicine — whose contributions made this noble medical project a significant success.

The organizers praised the level of coordination with local authorities and medical facilities in Yemen. They emphasized that such effective humanitarian partnerships help overcome the challenges facing the Yemeni health sector and give patients, especially children, a fresh hope for having a normal and stable life.

Eng. Ahmed Al Sharaji, head of QRCS's representation office in Yemen, said, "This medical convoy represents QRCS's commitment to providing continued and diverse humanitarian assistance for the people of Yemen, especially in health care. Together with our partners, we work to support Yemeni health facilities, bridge the gap in financial and human resources, and make them able to keep serving the population. Also, transfer of expertise and capacity-building ensure sustainable and better health care for patients in the long term."

Dr. Abdullah Al Nuaim, director of QC's office in Yemen, commended that achievement: "We are proud of what we have accomplished, alongside our partners at QRCS. This joint humanitarian intervention was not just a one-time response, but rather a practical manifestation of our 2026-2030 strategy, which deals with empowerment, sustainability, and maximized impact at top priorities. Today, we are working to deliver health projects that not only meet immediate needs but also leave a lasting developmental impact that makes a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people in Yemen. This convoy sought to alleviate the suffering of children with weak hearts, allowing them to live normally like other children."

Dr. Monira Al Aini, the project manager, stated, "This medical project was an essential humanitarian opportunity to perform over 100 major medical interventions for sick children within a short timeframe, with a view to improving their lives and reshaping their future. We focused on the highest quality and safety standards, while engaging local medical professionals throughout, helping to develop their expertise and upgrade pediatric cardiac surgery and catheterization services in the country."

The success of the medical convoy was the outcome of cumulative efforts and fruitful partnership. Earlier, QRCS and QC had supported the Cardiovascular and Kidney Transplant Center in Taiz with state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization equipment. As a result, the center increased its capacity and performed more diagnostic and interventional catheterization procedures free of charge for children and older people. This, by extension, helped ease the financial and health burden on poor patients. (QNA)