On August 4, a devastating explosion in the port of Beirut ravaged Lebanon\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n M\u00e9decins 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.<\/p>\n 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. M\u00e9decins du Monde psychologists have observed various disorders, such as fear, anxiety, insomnia, and anger, and even regressions in children, who are wetting their beds.<\/p>\n Thanks to the empathy and generosity of Canadians who made a donation, M\u00e9decins du Monde teams were able to soothe these open wounds and heal both physical injuries and those of the soul.<\/p>\nDiscover M\u00e9decins du Monde\u2019s actions in this video: Beirut with Open Wounds<\/h2>\n
Here is what we have been able to accomplish thanks to donations:<\/h2>\n
Much work remains to be done, and M\u00e9decins du Monde teams will continue their interventions in Beirut for as long as they are able.<\/h2>\n