The Challenge
The current financial and economic crisis in Lebanon has significantly deepened disparities among the population, with an increase in individuals and households falling under the poverty line. With the devaluation of the Lebanese pound against the dollar, people’s purchasing power took a plunge.
From the beginning of the economic crisis in 2019 to this day, the pound, once at a rate of 1500 LBP, fluctuated on daily basis, reaching the highest rate recorded on March 2023 of 140 000 against the dollar on the black market. Many families have reported that due to lack of income, spending on healthcare and any form of medical attention has been foregone. Additionally, the fuel crisis led to a major transportation challenge in accessing healthcare facilities.
This has placed a large portion of the population at significant risk, especially during a global pandemic (WFP, 2020). Families have to focus on their food security before seeking medical attention. Many primary healthcare centers have opened, several form part of the Ministry’s network, but the increasing demand demonstrates the need to increase access to affordable healthcare during these times of crisis, unemployment, and lack of opportunities
WATAD’s Response
WATAD Association established a licensed healthcare center in 2021 in Tripoli (North Lebanon) that offers high-quality healthcare services to all vulnerable groups regardless of gender or nationality. This dispensary, Nozha Medical Center (NMC), which is in the process of being updgarded to a primary healthcare center, will increase access to necessary healthcare for vulnerable individuals from low-income communities.
The PHC will be equipped to serve over 3,000 patients every month, covering a wide spectrum of medical consultations with a particular focus on the availability of obstetrics-gynecological and pediatric services to increase access for women, mothers, and children. It is fundamental for this center to provide low-cost care, particularly as the economic crisis in Lebanon is worsening.
Currently, Nozha Medical center is hosting patients for free-of-charge medical services including medical consultations at the general medicine and the pediatrics clinics, routine vaccinations, nurse acts, & providing free medication upon availability. NMC also provided free Cholera vaccines in collaboration with MEDAIR during the cholera outbreak in 2022.
Objective
To improve availability and access to high-quality healthcare services for a minimum of 3000 patients residing in Tripoli on a monthly basis.
This goal reflects the national priority to provide basic health services to individuals, families, and communities that have been deeply impacted by years of economic decline and regional political instability.
This objective also localizes Sustainable Development Goal #3 – Good health and well-being, bringing the global movement for life-saving solutions in health to populations in need in Lebanon.