Currently we are facing an exponential rise in violent attacks in Lebanon, moving further into the country. The situation is not just affecting the south of the country, but also the largest city in the country, Beirut, as well as a major part of the Bekaa valley. These have been called targeted attacks by Israel, but have resulted in many civilian casualties affecting women, children and local aid workers.
The attacks are causing mass displacement inside Lebanon, people from many affected areas are seeking refuge in what are considered 'safer' areas. Recent estimates by the UN state that over 1.2 million people are now on the move in Lebanon. Among them are many vulnerable groups that are unfortunately not accepted in most (governmental) shelter locations. Again, marginalised groups in Lebanon are hit hardest by the political and economical situation in the country, leaving many Syrians, Palestinians and migrant workers in the most vulnerable positions.
Endless Medical Advantage (EMA) is a refugee-led organisation in Lebanon. Our mission is to support Syrian and Lebanese medical professionals in providing sustainable healthcare services and humanitarian relief to refugees and vulnerable communities residing in the Bekaa Valley.
For thousands of families, we are the only way for them to access affordable healthcare provided by community-based medical professionals. As an organisation we have also taken part in various emergency situations dating back to the Beirut Blast in 2020, as well as several local winter refugee relief responses.
We are locally-led with lived experience on how to organise quickly during emergencies and in response to mass displacement. Therefore we are effective and know how to work and respond in these times of rising needs. We help people regardless of background, identity or religion.
In response to the mass displacement and anticipating several scenarios for the days and weeks ahead, the EMA team has developed emergency activities to answer the most urgent needs:
- Emergency Shelters: As a small organisation, we are currently providing shelter to over 150 individuals, 70% of them children. We provide emergency shelter in caravans and rented buildings.
- Food Security, Aid & Relief: The shelters are set up with all basic necessities, such as mattresses, blankets, pillows and hygiene kits. Additionally, our newly set up community kitchen is providing hot meals to hundreds of people in shelters on a daily basis. We'll keep providing food, aid & relief as the need is growing still, and will only continue as nights are getting colder and conditions in the shelters are challenging.
- Primary Healthcare and Prevention: We are serving 20 shelter locations in Central and West Bekaa by frequently visiting them with our mobile medical clinic. Our doctors have provided almost 1,000 consultations in the past month, and through our in-house pharmacy can provide basic medications to support the health of patients. We are also running missions to prevent infectious diseases from spreading in the shelters.
- Mental Health Support: With our mental health programme we are visiting shelters in our area to bring some joy and stress relief to many children and adults. Through music, performance and movement, the general well-being of many is elevated by frequent visits of our music and sports facilitators.
Any funds kindly donated to this project will be used to finance the running of the emergency response on the ground in Lebanon for as long as needed. Our Syrian ground staff will be able to use the funds in the purchasing of urgently needed materials and resources.
$5 = 1 hot meal
$5 = 1 hygiene kit
$15 = 1 mattress
Your donation could also contribute to supply our mobile clinic and pharmacy with much needed medications and medical supplies.
For our latest updates, visit our instagram or facebook.
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
