As an extension of its humanitarian action and in response to a tenfold increase in poverty throughout the country, the Order of Malta has added to its network of five mobile medical units (MMUs) that roam across the Lebanese territory, a sixth one in the north of the country, covering Tripoli and surrounding areas.
After Akkar,the Beqaa, Siddikine and the southern borders, a sixth mobile medical unit (MMU), launched in partnership with the Charitable Trust CPVG (Caritas Pro Vitae Gradu), was deployed on September 1st, from the Order of Malta’s primary health care center located in Khaldieh-Zghorta, to provide comprehensive and free health services to the inhabitants of the region from al-Mina Tripoli to Sir el-Denniye, passing through Mejdlaya, Meryata, Bakhaoun, Bkaa Safrine, Izal and Bkarsouna.
The locations itinerary visited weekly by the MMU was set up following an in-depth field assessment, carried out with the collaboration of the North Mohafez and the heads of municipalities in the region, in order to determine the most important needs. Two socio-economic experts also participated in the identification of pockets of poverty in order to target the most vulnerable areas, including al-Mina, Tripoli and Sir el-Denniye.
A halt on Tripoli
Witness to constant renewed tensions, Tripoli has been suffering for too long. The inhabitants of the “second capital of Lebanon”, with a high urban density, consider the city abandoned to its fate. “It’s as if Tripoli is not on the map of Lebanon” they say, criticizing the lack of development projects in the city, where unemployment and poverty rates are among the highest in Lebanon.
Indeed, the multiplication of crises added to the deep recession experienced by the country have led to the impoverishment of the middle classes, while the most underprivileged strata have become even poorer. A growing number of Tripolitans have today sunk into extreme poverty and do not benefit from any social safety net.
“The situation is more than catastrophic. People don’t have enough food to eat, let alone the basic medicines they need,” said one city resident. Hence the fundamental role of the Order of Malta’s action through its team and the weekly visit of its mobile medical unit, bearing the Order’s cross in its red coat of arms, which was received with open arms by a worn-down population, thirsty not only for care, but also for listening and attention.
Following his visit to the MMU, which has been specially refurbished into two consultation rooms, the president of the municipality of Tripoli, Riad Yamak, congratulated the team, composed of doctors, nurses, a field coordinator, a social worker, an administrative manager and two drivers. “The presence of this MMU is of utmost importance today, not only because of the excellent medical services it offers, but also because it provides free medicines in a time of significant shortages” he said.
After having followed the awareness session on prevention against Covid-19, he added: “We can only thank the Order of Malta for this project, especially in the crisis situation we are experiencing in Tripoli, both economically and socially, as well as in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The explanatory session given to the patients who were waiting their turn is also essential; the Tripolitan population needs this kind of clarification to show them how to protect themselves against this virus, without giving in to destabilizing and harmful panic. »
Healing the wounds of the body and soul
In the first operational phase of the MMU, free medical consultations and supply of medicines will be provided. The second phase will include, as in all of the Order of Malta’s MMUs, free referrals to specialized doctors, laboratory tests and even possible hospitalization, reaching around 3,000 medical acts per month.
Hala, coming from Bab el-Tebbané, witnesses: “It was one of my nephews who was informed by a WhatsApp message of this MMU’s presence, that pushed me to come and benefit from a free consultation. I am extremely satisfied: not only did the medical team take the time to explain to me what I was suffering from before giving me all the medication I needed, but they calmed me down about my aches and pains and I came out reassured and with a lighter heart, as if I had been relieved of a burden. If similar initiatives were to multiply, the world would be a much better place. »
An instrument of coexistence
One of the main objectives of the Order of Malta is to uphold “Lebanon, the Message” (as described by St John Paul II) that is currently suffering… The choice of this region is not incidental, since the Order, with its neutral, impartial and apolitical status, aspires to play a key role in social cohesion and peace. Indeed, in these disregarded zones where the population is composed of multiple denominations, extremist groups could take advantage of the vulnerable and hopeless youth by providing them with vital support.
Therefore, one of the criteria of the Order of Malta in setting up this itinerary was to cover sensitive areas in terms of community diversity, in order to pursue its mission of promoting and consolidating a culture of peaceful coexistence, through access to quality services for all, thus reassuring the population with effective support and thereby reducing tensions. An objective in harmony with those of its partner in this MMU, the Charitable Trust CPVG (Caritas Pro Vitae Gradu) that supports projects promoting change, with a strong humanitarian and social impact, furthering the values of compassion and commitment to the most vulnerable.
