Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ard El-Insan Palestinian Benevolent Association in Gaza to launch a new project for phenylketonuria (PKU) patients in Gaza, with $224,000 funding from QRCS, the society said in a press release.

Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of metabolism that results in decreased metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. Untreated PKU can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, behavioral problems, and mental disorder. Babies born to mothers who have poorly treated PKU may have heart problems, a small head, and low birth weight, according to Qatar News Agency (QNA). 

QRCS has already funded a series of health projects, with a budget exceeding QR 8.3 million, to develop the health care sector in Palestine. These interventions include the equipment of specialist labs at medical education institutions, enhancement of cystoscopy services at Gaza hospitals, support of the health emergency, disaster and crisis management center, and other major projects. 

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Akram Nassar, head of QRCS mission in Gaza, said that the seven-month project will help improve the health conditions and mental abilities of PKU children. 

He commended the role of the Ard El-Insan Palestinian Benevolent Association, as an organization specialized in the treatment of metabolic disorders, including nutrition disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and micronutrient deficiency. 

Dr. Adnan Al-Wahaidi, executive director of the Ard El-Insan Palestinian Benevolent Association, described the project as crucial for PKU patients, who are among Gaza's most deserving patients. 

He said the project involves an awareness program about the nature and risks of such diseases, to promote medical knowledge of rare and genetic diseases among Gaza's 80 cases and their families, QNA reported.