The Qatar Malta Libya programme for children was closed by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this afternoon.

The programme, which started in April last year,  brought over and saved 100 “forgotten” Libyan children for immediate medical treatment in Malta and the last families are trickling out.

The three-pronged joint programme also included 14 trips by sea to transport food, medicine and any other needs to the war-torn country, as well as bringing over 96 injured to Mater Dei Hospital.

The third aspect started after the war following a field visit to Libyan hospitals. It provided treatment to sick children who could not be treated during the conflict due to the ailing state of its health system.

They were treated for kidney, heart, eye, bladder and orthopaedic problems, as well as epilepsy – and those who reached Malta survived and returned home.

The children were chosen on the basis of discussions with Libyan and Maltese doctors to identify those that could be treated well at Mater Dei.

Malta was responsible for health care and visas, while Qatar looked after the logistics, accommodation and air transfer also for their families. The team organised hotels and interpreters, managed doctors’ appointments and followed medical treatment until the end.