Feb, 2024
Anera’s and Direct Relief’s Lifesaving Response
Since October 2023, southern Lebanon has been gripped by escalating conflict, resulting in a staggering toll on human lives and displacing tens of thousands of individuals seeking refuge in collective shelters. As the crisis intensifies, the need for immediate medical assistance has become paramount, with the latest WHO report documenting 771 cases of injury and over 88,000 people displaced internally across various locations in Lebanon.
Against this backdrop of turmoil and uncertainty, Anera swiftly mobilized its resources to address the pressing healthcare needs of the affected communities.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in southern Lebanon are facing a multitude of challenges, from a surge in casualties to securing a sufficient supply of medications amidst the country's ongoing economic and political crisis. However, a timely donation of medical aid from Direct Relief has provided critical support to frontline responders and healthcare providers, helping them to better cope with these difficulties. The support includes emergency backpacks, acute medication, chronic medications and supplies.
Based on the Ministry of Health's directives and feedback from hospitals, ensuring an adequate supply of medications, including contingency stocks, remains a pressing issue amid Lebanon's ongoing emergency.
There is a growing concern that if the situation worsens, importing medications into Lebanon may become increasingly difficult or even impossible, disrupting the supply chain and impacting patient care.
"When attending to an injured person, immediate aid is paramount, so having essential equipment at hand is crucial."
In response to these challenges, Anera has been working tirelessly to bridge the gap in medical supplies, prioritizing the distribution of emergency backpacks containing essential medications and supplies to frontline responders and healthcare facilities. These backpacks, akin to walking operation rooms, have equipped paramedics and healthcare workers with the tools they need to provide immediate assistance to the injured, even in the most challenging environments.
"Our team relies heavily on the equipment provided by Anera, especially during times of crisis," says Yahya Abu Hawas, a dedicated nurse and volunteer paramedic in the health intervention unit.
"When attending to an injured person, immediate aid is paramount, so having essential equipment at hand is crucial. These kits include essential items like tourniquets for stemming bleeding, gauze and bandages, light sticks, as well as various medications such as pain relievers and blood pressure cuffs," he notes.
Abed El-Halim Ayash, chief of the health intervention unit, underscores the significance of the emergency backpacks in their response efforts.
"This kit holds immense significance as it essentially serves as a mobile clinic, equipped with everything a paramedic requires in the field. The provision of these kits by Anera and Direct Relief was nothing short of a lifeline, empowering us to carry out our duties effectively. Without the requisite tools, our ability to assist the injured and sick would be severely compromised."
As the situation in southern Lebanon continues to evolve, Anera remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the affected communities and empowering frontline responders in their life saving mission. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, Anera is making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing adversity, embodying the spirit of solidarity and resilience in times of crisis.
"The provision of these kits by Anera and Direct Relief was nothing short of a lifeline, empowering us to carry out our duties effectively."
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Lebanon
South Governorate
The South Governorate of Lebanon is a beautiful place with white beaches, archeological ruins, bustling old souks, fertile fields of citrus and banana trees, and a deep history. Its residents are from different religions: Shia and Sunni Muslims, Druze, Eastern Orthodox, Maronite, Protestant, and Greek Catholic Christians. Its biggest cities are also the third and fourth largest in the country, Saida and Tyre.
