Syria Crisis - Meeting Urgent Health Needs in Lebanon - International Medical Corps 2017-2019

November 2016 – Lebanon continues to be dramatically affected by the crisis in neighbouring Syria. Lebanon is currently hosting over 1 million Syrian refugees adding to the existing Palestinian and Iraqi refugees thus making Lebanon the country with the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. This influx has caused an enduring strain on host communities and the country’s ability to provide a number of essential services such as health education water and housing. Conflict-affected households are becoming increasingly vulnerable as poverty and food insecurity levels are increasing. With GAC’s support International Medical Corps (IMC) is addressing the health and protection needs of Syrian refugees and host communities in Lebanon and building the capacities of local systems. Project activities include: (1) supporting primary healthcare services through primary healthcare centres (PHCCs) for up to 48 000 beneficiaries including subsidizing consultations diagnostic services and medications providing immunizations and improving reproductive health services; (2) improving the capacity of up to 30 PHCC staff members; (3) recruiting and training up to 18 Syrian community health workers and supporting them in conducting community outreach activities for up to 27 000 beneficiaries; (4) providing mental health case management and psychosocial support services to up to 4 800 beneficiaries and raising awareness of mental health issues; (5) supporting the National Mental Health Program; (6) conducting psychosocial community support groups; (7) providing referral and support services for up to 5 850 beneficiaries including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV); and (8) conducting awareness raising activities on SGBV issues and support activities for survivors of SGBV.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access for vulnerable populations including survivors of SGBV to essential health services mental health services and psychosocial support (PSS ); and (2) improved capacity of health workers in providing health services and disseminating key health messaging. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are food insecure