March 10, 2023
COVID-19: Is the pandemic over, and have we learned from our experiences?
I’m writing with a brief update about our response to the emergency in Beirut, Lebanon. The situation remains heartbreaking with hundreds of thousands homeless, three hospitals destroyed, and with the loss of the port, we are witnessing dwindling supplies of drugs, and increasing food insecurity.
Within three days after the explosions, we set up an emergency reception at the community mental health center of Rafic Hariri hospital and began offering psychological support to those in need. Additionally, a mobile clinic managed with our Lebanese partner is providing psychological support and medical and paramedical services in the most severely affected areas.
Medical kits (drugs and equipment) for 20,000 people as well as masks and protective equipment against Covid-19 were also delivered this week, and we will be sending more in the coming weeks. As we continue to take stock of the public health needs in Beirut, it is clear that mental health will remain an urgent need, among many others, for the people of Lebanon for the foreseeable future.
On behalf of all of us at Doctors of the World and those we serve – in the US and in over 80 countries around the world – I send a warm thank you to all who support of our work.
Fraser Mooney
Executive Director
