Compared to 2016, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) foreign aid contribution increased by 33 percent in 2017.

A recent tweet posted by the Government Communication Office elaborated: “In 2016, contributions from Qatar Fund for Development reached $507m, while in 2017 this increased by 33 percent to $674m.”

The GCO has shared extensive posts this month regarding Qatar’s foreign aid programs, pointing out how “Qatar’s extensive foreign aid programs are increasing in scope and reaching across the world.” This includes the recent pledge of $5m to victims of the recent floods in Kerala, India.

Under HH the Amir @TamimBinHamad directives, $5 million has been allocated to the flood victims of #Kerala. We extend our sincere condolences to the victims’ families & to the Indian people, many who have contributed to Qatar’s development & wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

— عبدالله بن ناصر بن خليفة آل ثاني (@ANK_AlThani) August 18, 2018

Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, Director General of Qatar Fund for Development, is quoted in one as saying: “Qatar Fund for Development’s mission is influenced by Qatar’s steadfast commitment towards spreading hope, and promoting peace and justice through sustainable and inclusive development.”

Another milestone is the achievements by QFFD’s Qatar Creating Vision. Millions of children in India and Bangladesh have been screened for eyesight health thanks to QFFD’s investment in the initiative.

Qatar Creating Vision was created in October 2015 on the eve of World Sight Day, with QFFD pledging $8 m to the project.

#Qatar’s extensive foreign aid programmes are increasing in scope and reaching across the world. In 2016, contributions from @qatar_fund reached $507 million, while in 2017 this increased by 33% to $674 million. #WorldHumanitarianDay pic.twitter.com/3jHWoYbIfN

— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) August 19, 2018

The Vision aims to deliver over 5.6 million eye tests and treatments and train 6,700 medical professionals.

On another front, QFFD signed a $3 m agreement with the World Food Program (WFP) to aid displaced people in Iraq on the sidelines of the Aid and Trade Conference in London, as reported by The Peninsula.

QFFD also signed a $2m agreement with the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator at the same event to help emergency relief efforts in Afghanistan.