By Desmond Nleya
MORONI: — Acting on the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, and under the follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), a series of major health projects have been inaugurated in the Union of the Comoros.
Among the key developments are the Sheikha Fatima “Mother of the Nation” Maternity and Childhood Hospital and the Sheikha Fatima “Mother of the Nation” Kidney Dialysis Centre on Anjouan Island. These projects were implemented under the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros; Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Juma Rashid Al Rumaithi, UAE Ambassador to the Comoros; Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the ERC; and several officials from both countries.
The Maternity and Childhood Hospital, with a capacity of 20 beds, is expected to serve approximately 10,000 people annually. It includes wards, intensive care units, natural childbirth and surgical rooms, anesthesia and sterilisation units, neonatal intensive care facilities, as well as administrative offices and staff rest areas.
The Kidney Dialysis Centre is the first of its kind on Anjouan Island. Equipped with eight advanced dialysis units and a specialised water treatment system, the centre will provide around 5,000 dialysis sessions annually, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety.
In his remarks, President Azali Assoumani expressed profound gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his steadfast support and to the UAE for its ongoing partnership in Comoros’ development. He praised the impact of Emirati initiatives in advancing sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life for the Comorian people.
He highlighted the significance of naming the projects after H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, whose vision and generosity have inspired numerous humanitarian and developmental programmes worldwide. He noted that the new facilities mark a transformative step in strengthening the health sector in the Comoros.
Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi emphasised that these initiatives reflect Sheikha Fatima’s deep commitment to supporting the health and well-being of women and children in the Comoros. She reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to sustainable development through impactful programmes that enhance infrastructure and provide vital services to friendly nations.
She stressed that the UAE’s developmental efforts in the Comoros are strongly supported by its wise leadership, which is committed to expanding humanitarian cooperation.
Local officials and residents expressed heartfelt thanks to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the UAE for their continuous support. They commended the ERC’s humanitarian role in easing local hardships, improving living conditions, and strengthening community resilience.
Source: Emirates News Agency
