Sep, 2024
Strengthening Surgical and Neonatal Care Across Lebanon
In a time of dire need, Anera, with the generous support of Americares, has once again stepped up to deliver essential medical supplies to Lebanon, a country grappling with severe economic and healthcare challenges. This latest shipment brings vital resources that will significantly bolster the country's healthcare capacity.
Rima Kamal, Anera's pharmacist and medical donations coordinator, emphasized the critical importance of this donation. "We have been distributing two containers from Americares," Kamal explained. "These consist of a very large amount of essential anesthetics for surgeries, including sevoflurane and isoflurane. The quantity we’ll be distributing to a total of 26 hospitals — seven of which are in South Governorate, and six are hospitals that primarily serve Palestinian refugees — will suffice these hospitals' needs for the next two years."
In addition to anesthetics, the shipment includes the life-saving medication beractant, known commercially as Surventa, which is crucial for treating premature infants born with underdeveloped lungs.
"We cannot stress enough the importance of the availability of this medication for free," Kamal noted. "It is not widely available and is quite expensive when it is, costing around 400 USD per unit — an amount much larger than the monthly income of the majority of the population in Lebanon."
The significance of the donated beractant is underscored by the fact that these medications and supplies will be distributed to hospitals equipped with neonatal intensive care Units (NICUs), where they are most urgently needed. The impact is immediate, with the supply of beractant expected to cover the needs of these hospitals for the next four months or longer, ensuring that the most vulnerable infants have a fighting chance at life.
"We cannot stress enough the importance of the availability of this medication for free."
Bolstering Lebanon's Healthcare System in a Time of Crisis
This donation comes at a critical time for Lebanon. In a recent meeting with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the ministry called on international organizations to support the healthcare sector in Lebanon by stockpiling supplies for at least four months, in anticipation of potential emergencies. The arrival of these medical supplies directly answers that call, enhancing the readiness of hospitals and healthcare centers across the country.
Mariam Sinno, head of pharmacy at Karantina Governmental Hospital in Beirut, expressed deep gratitude for the donations. "Every single medication donated to our hospitals is essential," Sinno said. "Most significantly in this donation, the sevoflurane anesthetic for surgical operations and Surventa for premature infants were very much needed. These donations relieve a significant financial burden off the shoulders of our struggling hospitals and patients."
Sinno also highlighted the importance of other donated items, such as intravenous solutions like dextrose and Ringer's Lactate, which are critical in emergency and maternity care. "These solutions will enhance our maternity department’s response, as well as all other departments, including the emergency room, since they’re quite efficient and effective when it comes to blood-loss cases."
The Ongoing Struggle and Need for Continued Support
Despite these generous donations, Lebanon's healthcare system continues to face immense challenges.
"Hospitals and primary healthcare centers are in constant need of essential medications that are so critical that, when they’re unavailable, patients often resort to the black market to purchase them,” Sinno says. “Lebanon needs all the support it can get so we can respond and support our community appropriately."
The arrival of this shipment from Americares, facilitated by Anera, is a reminder that even in the most challenging times, there are those who will rise to the occasion to ensure that the most vulnerable are cared for. As Lebanon continues to navigate its ongoing crises, the support from organizations like Anera and Americares is more critical than ever, providing the resources necessary to save lives and sustain hope.
“Lebanon needs all the support it can get so we can respond and support our community appropriately."
Featured medical aid partner: Americares
