Continuing care in Lebanon
MSF began working in Lebanon in 1976, and currently provides free medical care with the help of more than 600 MSF staff across the country. In our regular programs, our teams provide treatment for acute and chronic diseases, sexual and reproductive healthcare, and mental health support. We operate a paediatric unit in a government hospital and run mother and child health centres for vulnerable communities across the country, with a particular focus on refugees.
Lebanon is home to 6.8 million people, with an estimated refugee population of 1.5 million. Despite the efforts of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health in supporting primary and secondary healthcare for refugees, the cost of consultations, laboratory tests, and medication remains a barrier for a significant number of refugees. MSF provides free, high quality healthcare to those who would otherwise be unable to access these essential services.
The challenge of this latest disaster, in addition to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, has made providing healthcare both more difficult and more essential. We continue to explore ways in which we can provide support through this difficult time, while also continuing our work to contain the spread of COVID-19 and provide healthcare to those in need.