In the face of numerous challenges over the past four years, the Order of Malta Lebanon has found unwavering support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Committed to sustainable programs, the BMZ has played a pivotal role in aiding vulnerable populations in Lebanon since the start of the crisis.
During their very brief visit to Lebanon, Mr. Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary, Ms. Annette Chammas, Head of the “Middle East II” Division and their delegation from the BMZ and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Lebanon, were warmly welcomed at the Order of Malta Lebanon’s St. John the Baptist Center in Ain El Remmaneh.
They were received by Mr. Marwan Sehnaoui, President of the Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta (also known as the Order of Malta Lebanon), Mr. François Abi Saab, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Lebanon , Mr. Rüdiger Krüse, former member of the German parliament and currently Chargé de Mission “Ahead” for the Order of Malta Lebanon, as well as members of the association’s executive board, teams from the headquarters and the center.
This visit underscored the shared philosophy of both institutions, which is to provide essential services during an extraordinary crisis, transcending political and religious affiliations of vulnerable people.
The support from the BMZ has been instrumental in helping the Order of Malta Lebanon navigate one of the most severe economic and financial crises that have affected the country and all of its social components. This assistance has not only enhanced the organization’s services but has also expanded its outreach to the most vulnerable individuals, with no distinction, across all the Lebanese territory.
The BMZ’s support to the Order of Malta Lebanon, through its partner Malteser International, has been focused on rebuilding and strengthening the structures of the Community Health Centers offering primary healthcare services. It has also contributed to the expansion of medical services adding secondary and tertiary referrals, the systematization and quality improvement of these services, as well as support for social assistance activities, particularly for the most marginalized individuals in society suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities.
Moreover, two Mobile Community Kitchens, known as “The Sharing Wheel” have been launched to address the wave of malnutrition affecting mostly children and the elderly.
During his address, Mr. Annen highlighted the Agro-Humanitarian Pillar, launched by the Order of Malta Lebanon and actively supported, among others, by the BMZ. He expressed his admiration for the nationwide deployment of the Agro-Humanitarian Centers to support small and medium-sized farmers, aligning humanitarian efforts with sustainable agricultural development.
This multifaceted approach contributes significantly to the overall well-being and resilience of communities, laying the groundwork of a new approach to health and agriculture, to better, and sustainably serve the hard-hit population of Lebanon, thus, becoming a new source of hope.
