Dec, 2023
A medical aid donation from HPIC is bringing children relief from pain and high fevers
In the midst of ongoing health and economic challenges in Lebanon, Anera, in collaboration with Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC), has stepped forward to provide essential medical aid to the young ones in need. The initiative involved a generous donation of 30,000 bottles of oral syrup of acetaminophen (paracetamol), a crucial fever and pain-relieving medication for children between two months and five years old. Anera has distributed this donation across 65 medical centers throughout Lebanon.
Ahmad Alian, a pediatrician specializing in asthma and allergies, sheds light on the pressing health concerns faced by children in Lebanon.
"We see a variety of diseases, including allergies, viral infections, bacterial infections, and more," he says. "Among children, the most common issues right now are tonsillitis, ear infections, and respiratory tract infections that are generally accompanied by high fever."
These conditions are exacerbated by the existing health and environmental challenges, coupled with the economic instability in Lebanon. Alian emphasizes the importance of fever reduction in children, as high temperatures can cause significant discomfort, stress, fatigue, and pain. Prolonged high fever can lead to serious health problems, affect brain development, and cause dehydration.
Dr. Ahmad Ali meets with a young patient at the Ibn Nafees Center in Beirut.
Acetaminophen plays a crucial role in reducing fever and relieving pain in children suffering from various viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19. Alian also appreciates that the medicine in this shipment is designed for children and comes with a pleasant taste that makes it easier for children to accept.
Ahmed Chatila, the director of the Ibn Nafees Medical Center, expressed gratitude for this much-needed contribution. The Ibn Nafees Medical Center, established in 1998, is dedicated to serving the community, offering medical services and support to those in need, regardless of their background.
Chatila says that at their center,
"The most in-demand medicines are for chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart conditions, diabetes, and others, as well as antibiotics and fever-reducing medicine for children."
In light of Lebanon's economic challenges, many families struggle to afford these essential medications. The donation of fever-reducing medicine eases their burden, enabling them to allocate resources for their family's basic necessities.
The collaboration between HPIC and Anera has proven to be a lifeline for countless children and families across Lebanon, reinforcing the hope for a healthier future. The commitment to continuing and expanding this collaboration is a testament to the invaluable impact it has had on the lives of those in need.
Dr. Ahmad Alian works at the Ibn Nafees Center location in Beirut.
Ahmed Chatila
The entrance to the Ibn Nafees Center location in Beirut.
