Naghm Jajan

Qamishlo — Amid the ongoing health and economic challenges facing the region, the Kurdish Red Crescent in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has emerged as one of the most active humanitarian institutions. It continues to play a central role in supporting the community, particularly children suffering from cancer, within a humanitarian vision grounded in solidarity and shared responsibility.

As part of its efforts to support children with cancer, the Kurdish Red Crescent plans to organize a special awareness exhibition for children with cancer and thalassemia on November 20 in Azadi Park in Qamishlo. The one-day exhibition aims to deliver a humanitarian message highlighting the role of art and awareness in serving health and social causes.

In her remarks, the co-chair of the Kurdish Red Crescent, Hadiya Abdullah, said, “The Red Crescent was established in 2012, and since then it has continued its work across all regions of the Autonomous Administration. Our main focus is responding to emergency cases such as natural disasters, earthquakes, and fires. We operate 60 ambulances across the region, in addition to fixed emergency centers that work around the clock. Our health centers are also present in all camps, providing continuous services.”

She added, “For many years, there was no center dedicated to caring for children with cancer. The Kurdish Red Crescent was the first to take the initiative to provide support and care for them, driven by our humanitarian commitment and social responsibility.”

Abdullah noted that the Red Crescent has opened a specialized hospital for treating cancer and thalassemia, which has already begun operating, while the burns unit is still under preparation.

She explained that thalassemia patients require blood transfusions once or twice a month depending on their condition, emphasizing that this hospital is the first of its kind in the region, providing all necessary medical supplies and a safe, comfortable treatment environment.

Abdullah stressed that the Kurdish Red Crescent goes beyond medical services, offering psychological and emotional support, especially for children and young adults, “given the severity of these illnesses and their profound impact on daily life. Our hospital staff have extensive experience, and we noticed the urgent need for more focused care for children and young people living with thalassemia.”

She continued, “At first, children used to cry during treatment, and their mothers suffered greatly. So, we created a special room for children, decorating its walls with cheerful colors to lift their spirits and provide a more comfortable atmosphere, which has had a highly positive effect on their mental well-being.”

Abdullah also pointed out that many young patients were forced to abandon their studies because of their health conditions. “We launched educational programs for them, including health awareness, computer skills, Kurdish language, and foreign languages. This initiative has helped boost their confidence and given them strong motivation to continue and grow.”

She explained that the upcoming exhibition aims to support children psychologically and strengthen their self-confidence. “We have a psychological support team working closely with us, giving special attention to children. They love creating things with their own hands, and we always tell them: these small hands can create beautiful things. We wanted to organize activities that fill their time with joy and boost their positive energy — and indeed, they have shown impressive creativity.”

She added that a special exhibition will be held to showcase the handmade crafts created by the children, which will be offered as symbolic gifts reflecting their talents. A donation box will also be placed at the event, enabling visitors to contribute directly and humanely to the treatment of the children.

Abdullah confirmed that this exhibition will be the first of its kind in both form and content: “This is the first time an exhibition with such humanitarian and artistic focus is organized. It will be held for one day only in Azadi Park in Qamishlo, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Depending on conditions and needs, we may organize a similar exhibition in the coming months.”

She concluded, “At the beginning of the event, we will present an introduction about the hospital, followed by a doctor who will speak about the patients’ condition as part of awareness efforts. The exhibition will include many artworks and handmade pieces created by the children — such as paintings, models, flowers, and other crafts made with their small hands. These items will be presented as gifts, reflecting the purity of their hearts and their creative energy.