A Year of Recovery: What Support from Zaman has made possible in Beirut

On August 4, 2020, the port of Beirut and the surrounding community were devastated by a massive explosion so large that it was felt across neighboring countries.

International Medical Corps has been on the ground in Lebanon since 2006. With a staff of nearly 300 already in the country, we quickly launched an emergency response, reaching more than 54,300 people within the first two weeks.

Distribution of personal protective equipment in the Karantina Neighborhood.

Distribution of personal protective equipment on Gemayzeh Street.

Zaman International stepped up immediately to support our response. With funds from Zaman and others, International Medical Corps was able to meet the needs of people directly affected by the blast and support the recovery of the local health system.

A mobile medical unit in Karm El Zaytoun.

A mobile mental health clinic in Karm El Zaytoun Neighborhood.

A mobile medical clinic in Mar Mkhayel.

International Medical Corps distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene kits, and also deployed mobile medical clinics and mobile mental health and psychosocial support services for people in the affected communities.

Hygiene kit distribution in Moudawar.

A mobile medical unit in the Geitawi Neighborhood.

A mobile mental health unit in Ein El Mreisseh.

Hygiene kit distribution in Borj Hammoud.

A patient receives services in a mobile medical unit in Borj Hammoud.

Zaman International’s support has helped our teams provide psychotropic medications to treat conditions mental health conditions such as depression and panic disorders.

In addition to direct services, International Medical Corps worked to strengthen the existing health system, supporting primary healthcare clinics that were damaged or impacted by the explosion, providing medical supplies and PPE as COVID-19 cases surged.

Zaman International’s support has bolstered our response, enabling our teams to reach 18 primary healthcare clinics with everything from N95 masks to gloves and gowns, when they needed it most.

The lab technician at Karagheusian PHCC dons personal protective equipment (PPE) donated by Zaman Foundation.

Personal protective equipment delivery to a primary healthcare center in Beirut-Mount Lebanon area by the IMC Lebanon’s logistics department.

The blast caused between $3.8 billion and $4.5 billion in damages. The health sector was amongst the most affected, with 36% of health facilities in the region damaged.

In Msaybeh, Tareek Jdidi, and Burj Hammoud, with funding from Zaman, International Medical Corps is rehabilitating three impacted healthcare facilities.

New lab construction in progress at Karagheusian Primary Healthcare Center.

New equipment at Karagheusian Primary Healthcare Center.

New equipment at Karagheusian Primary Healthcare Center.

And we have provided healthcare facilities such as Msaytbeh Medical and Social Center-Makassed, Soeurs De Notre Dame De Charite Du Bon Pasteur, Dispensaire Saint Antoine, Al Kayan–Ghobeiry and Barja Social Cultural Club PHC with critical medications and supplies.

As our emergency response winds down, International Medical Corps continues to provide vulnerable Lebanese and refugee communities with primary healthcare, mental health care and other services through our ongoing programs in Lebanon.