Oct, 2024
Direct Relief's Medical Donations in Lebanon
In Lebanon, the healthcare system faces immense challenges due to the ongoing impact of war and economic instability. The conflict has exacerbated the scarcity of essential medications and strained healthcare resources, making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations to access necessary treatments. Amid these challenges, Direct Relief has provided Anera with over 16 shipments of vital medications and medical supplies. These donations are essential in mitigating the effects of the war on the healthcare system, preventing shortages, and ensuring that those most in need receive the lifesaving treatments they require.
Addressing Medication Shortages and Ensuring Access
Enoxaparin Donation: One of the most critical donations was enoxaparin, an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, particularly in patients recovering from surgeries. Direct Relief provided 5,400 treatments, which were essential in mitigating the risk of postoperative complications. Raeda Bitar, the chief pharmacist at Saida Governmental Hospital, emphasized the importance of this donation:
“The enoxaparin donations are vital for our patients who undergo major surgeries and are at risk of blood clots. Without this support, many would face severe complications. Enoxaparin is also crucial for pregnant women who have had multiple miscarriages. The treatment costs about $6 per day, which is unaffordable for many in Lebanon.”
Enoxaparin is "vital for our patients who undergo major surgeries and are at risk of blood clots. Without this support, many would face severe complications."
Rapid Insulin: In addition, Direct Relief donated over 15,000 treatments of rapid insulin, distributed across primary healthcare centers in Lebanon. This insulin, delivered in pen form, offers precise and user-friendly dosing for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Bitar highlights the impact:
“The insulin pens provided by Anera and Direct Relief have made a huge difference. They are much easier to use than traditional vials, reducing the risk of dosing errors that can lead to dangerous complications.”
Metformin Distribution: Metformin, a cornerstone medication for managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus, was also a significant part of the donations. Over 80,000 treatments were distributed, addressing a critical need in diabetes management.
Fatima, the pharmacy director, shares her personal connection to this medication:
“Metformin is essential for controlling blood sugar levels. After the port blast, I relied on this medication for my hyperglycemia.
"My mother also depends on it for her diabetes management. In addition to Type 2 diabetes she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment for this negatively affects her blood sugar levels, making metformin even more crucial.
"The free supply has been a vital support during these challenging times. It has allowed me to redirect the money I would have spent on medications to other essential needs, such as my children’s education and household expenses since I’m the only caregiver for my mother.”
These three treatments will benefit at least 20,000 patients all over Lebanon. In addition to various additional treatments and vitamins benefiting tens of thousands of individuals.
“The donations make a significant impact in ensuring we can provide continuous care and improve the quality of life for our patients."
Impact and Reach
These donations have not only prevented medication shortages but have also ensured that tens of thousands of patients receive the necessary treatments. Rima Kamal, product donations coordinator at Anera, noted,
“Our collaboration with Direct Relief ensures that we can provide high-quality medical donations, such as metformin and insulin-prefilled pens, to effectively support patients in need. With the rise in poverty rates and increasing demand for medical care, these contributions are crucial in filling gaps in the healthcare system.
“The donations make a significant impact in ensuring we can provide continuous care and improve the quality of life for our patients. Many cannot afford these treatments otherwise, and your support helps bridge this critical gap.”
“The donations make a significant impact in ensuring we can provide continuous care and improve the quality of life for our patients."
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has profoundly affected the healthcare system, making access to essential medications a critical issue. The medical donations from Anera and Direct Relief have been instrumental in addressing Lebanon’s healthcare challenges. By preventing shortages and providing essential medications, these contributions have made a profound difference in the lives of many patients. As Lebanon continues to face economic and healthcare difficulties, sustained support and collaboration remain essential to maintaining access to lifesaving treatments.
Our Partners
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.
