Sierra Leone Ambassador to Kuwait, Ishata Thomas Appeals for Humanitarian Support for Fire Victims in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, has on Monday 14th November 2021 engaged Qatar Charity on the provision of relief assistance in the form of medical equipment and medicine to support victims of the horrendous fuel tanker fire disaster in Wellington which resulted in the loss of over hundred and forty-four Sierra Leoneans, leaving many more in critical condition.

Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Haja Ishata Thomas conveyed thanks and appreciation to the leadership of Qatar Charity for its numerous humanitarian assistance in Somalia, Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Yemen, West Bank, among others.

Ambassador went on to highlight the devastating effect of the 11-year civil war (1991—2002), the Ebola outbreak, Mudslide, flooding and the recent tanker explosion as impeding factors that have thwarted Sierra Leone’s effort to achieve its middle-income goal, hence the country is still grappling to address basic social amenities for its citizens, especially in remote communities.

“The recent fuel tanker left the health sector overwhelmed, desperately in need of assistance. Given your scope of operation in healthcare and other humanitarian support to affected communities, we kindly appeal that you extend support to Sierra Leone in this moment of need. We also look forward to your intervention in providing economic empowerment, safe drinking water, conducting surgeries on hernia and cataracts, assisting hospitals with medical facilities, constructing schools and providing school materials,” she appealed.

She ended by appealing for funds and material support to the Medical Assistance and Rural Development Programme (MARDP) to continue its free hernia surgery project in Bombali, Tonkolili, Kenema, and Bo Districts in Sierra Leone.

The Chief Global Programs Officer, Nawaf Abdulla Al-Hammadi, thanked Her Excellency for acknowledging Qatar Charity’s role in implementing humanitarian and development programs, mobilizing support and resources, and building effective partnerships to provide a decent life for all people in 70 countries, adding that as a global relief organization, Qatar Charity works closely with communities affected by disasters and crises to effectively assess their needs to provide effective development interventions and humanitarian response.

Al-Hammadi extended heartfelt condolences to His Excellency the President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Government and the people of Sierra Leone for the tragedy, which claimed the lives of many. He affirmed their solidarity with Sierra Leone at this challenging time. “We have worked with partners in Sierra Leone on several projects. On the support to the victims of the fire incident, Qatar Charity will respond immediately,” he assured.