EU 'Biggest Donor' to Lebanese Health Sector

W460

In the framework of its “continuous support” to the health sector in Lebanon, the European Union launched Wednesday the project "Healthy Family, Peaceful House," in al-Marj in the Bekaa.

The EU-funded project is implemented by the emergency relief and recovery organization Medair in consortium with Tearfund and the Arab Center for Consulting and Training Services, the EU Delegation to Lebanon said in a statement.

"Healthy Family, Peaceful House" aims at improving access to quality, safe reproductive health and psychosocial services for both Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese, in the North and Central and West Bekaa. It will contribute to “improve the capacity of the Social Development Centers to provide the appropriate care services,” the EU Delegation said.

Since 2014, the EU has funded health projects in Lebanon for a total of €165 million, becoming the first donor in the health sector and contributing significantly to the Lebanese authorities' response to meet basic health needs of vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian refugees.

More than 200 Primary Health Care Centers of Public Health Ministry, Social Development Centers of the Social Affairs Ministry and public hospitals have received new equipment, free medicines and vaccines for children. Health staff has also received trainings.

Moreover, the EU is supporting access for Syrian refugees to secondary health services and covering lifesaving medical and surgical interventions. The EU has also started the piloting of a basic package of primary health care services, including mother and child care, reproductive and mental health care for all vulnerable populations at an equitable and affordable rate.

EU Head of Section Rein Nieland said: "We are fully aware of the extraordinary challenges that Lebanon is currently facing with regard to the health sector."

"We will continue to stand by the Lebanese people and to work with the Lebanese authorities to help improving public services for all," he added.

"Healthy Family, Peaceful House" is funded by the EU through the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis "Madad," one of the EU's key instruments for delivering on its €3 billion pledge at the London Conference. With contributions from EU Member States and EU other financial instruments, the fund has reached a total of €1.4 billion to date. The funded projects focus on education, healthcare, livelihoods and social stability, water and wastewater infrastructure.

Comments 0