MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) says an amount of one million dollars is needed for the treatment of 1,300 children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) in northern Balkh province.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society’s special week was marked on Wednesday in Mazar-i-Sharif, attended by the governor, various departmental officials, scholars, and volunteers.
Addressing the gathering, ARCS head in Balkh, Mohammad Younis Masoomi said this year the organisation had provided food and non-food items to 3,700 families in the province.
He added they operated five health clinics and a mobile health team, which offered free treatment to 42,500 patients and raised public awareness about health issues among approximately 80,000 people.
Around 1,300 children with CHDs had been registered in Balkh and would be referred to Kabul hospitals for treatment, the ARCS official announced.
According to him, one million dollars is required for their medical care, which will be sourced through community contributions.
Governor Mohammad Yousaf Wafa urged government and private employees to donate one day’s salary to the ARCS special week. He encouraged the public to support those in need by purchasing ARCS tickets.
Additionally, ICRC's Head of Sub-delegation, Rochus Peyer praised the efforts of volunteers in delivering humanitarian aid.
ICRC would continue to assist all needy and vulnerable families without any discrimination, he promised.
ARC officials also reported they had treated 61 mental health patients this year, with 71 more currently receiving care.
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