“Emirates Red Crescent Begins Construction of ‘Sheikha Fatima Maternity and Childhood Hospital’ in Mauritania at a Cost of AED 2 million”
The Emirates Red Crescent has begun constructing the “Sheikha Fatima Maternity and Childhood Hospital” in Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, at an estimated cost of approximately AED 2 million. The funds have been allocated from the “Refugee Women’s Support Fund,” established through the generous initiative of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary President of the Red Crescent.
The fund aims to improve the lives of refugee women in camps and beyond, serve mothers in marginalized areas, and enhance their humanitarian conditions by implementing projects that address their needs for care and support, empowering them to access essential services for themselves and their families.
The Red Crescent has completed preparations to begin the project, which will provide healthcare to mothers and newborns. The two-story hospital will feature various medical facilities, including operating rooms, anesthetics and sterilization units, an emergency reception center, and wards with a capacity of 20 beds. It is expected to handle 50 cases daily, significantly reducing the relatively high mortality rates among newborns and pregnant women in Mauritania.
Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, emphasized that Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s initiatives in motherhood and childhood provide essential care for mothers and children in regions that lack such vital services.
She stated that Her Highness continuously monitors the conditions of marginalized women and children affected by crises and disasters worldwide. She consistently directs efforts to address their challenges by adopting developmental programs and projects that enhance their capabilities and improve their living conditions.
Dr. Al Shamsi highlighted that these initiatives support global efforts to reduce women’s and children’s suffering, offering innovative solutions for better living conditions. She noted the international recognition of Her Highness’s support for women and children, especially as they represent the most vulnerable segments during crises and disasters.
She also affirmed that the “Sheikha Fatima Maternity and Childhood Hospital” in Mauritania would significantly improve healthcare for Mauritanian women, thus reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, noted that Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s initiatives through the Red Crescent enhance the organization’s ability to undertake projects that serve development and reconstruction in countries facing severe humanitarian and developmental challenges. These initiatives alleviate poverty and need.
He added that Her Highness has always been a steadfast supporter of the Red Crescent’s humanitarian efforts, underscoring her commitment to instilling values of altruism and competition within society to aid others.
Dr. Al Falahi reaffirmed the Red Crescent’s commitment to ensuring the hospital in Mauritania leaves a direct and sustainable impact on improving mothers’ lives. He stressed the importance of completing the project swiftly to achieve its health and humanitarian objectives.
It is worth noting that the humanitarian conditions in Mauritania over recent years have worsened due to periods of drought, significantly affecting women, children, refugees from neighboring countries, and internally displaced people.
