Beirut, six months after the explosion…

Montreal, February 4, 2021

On August 4, a devastating explosion in the port of Beirut ravaged Lebanon’s health system. Causing at least 200 deaths and 6,500 injuries, and leaving around 300,000 people homeless, this disaster traumatized an entire population, which must also contend with a shortage of essential medicines and very limited access to primary health care. Most people living near the explosion’s epicenter suffered severe injuries and were left to fend for themselves: they lost their homes, family members, often even their jobs, and struggle to feed themselves. The explosion opened new wounds.

Médecins du Monde teams have been on the ground since the first hours following the explosion to maintain and ensure access to both physical and psychological health services for families affected by the explosion and to combat the spread of COVID-19. Special attention is given to elderly women and migrant workers, whose situation was already very precarious before the disaster.

Furthermore, in the Karantina district (one of the areas most violently affected by the explosion), families have an enormous need to talk about their trauma. Médecins du Monde psychologists have observed various disorders, such as fear, anxiety, insomnia, and anger, and even regressions in children, who are wetting their beds.

Discover Médecins du Monde’s actions in this video: Beirut with Open Wounds

After the explosion, Carlos, 13, remained unconscious for several hours. Upon leaving the hospital, he spent a few days at an uncle’s before being able to return home. Now, he sleeps between his parents, seeks their contact, and is sometimes gripped by panic or apathy. Fortunately, thanks to therapy and your support, Carlos is doing better. He goes out for an hour each day and has regained the desire to play with his friends.

Thanks to the empathy and generosity of Canadians who made a donation, Médecins du Monde teams were able to soothe these open wounds and heal both physical injuries and those of the soul.

Here is what we have been able to accomplish thanks to donations:

Distribution of 10,000 kits containing medicines, tents, and medical devices
Shipment of medicines to 67 health centers
Establishment of a referral system in Karantina to existing operational health services and organizations providing mental health and psychosocial support services
Organization of awareness sessions on measures to combat COVID-19 and distribution of protective equipment
Provision of psychosocial interventions by the Mobile Clinic teams for people experiencing mental health problems

Much work remains to be done, and Médecins du Monde teams will continue their interventions in Beirut for as long as they are able.

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