Syria Crisis - Emergency Health Services in Lebanon - Canadian Red Cross 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 the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is working with the Lebanese Red Cross Society (LRCS) and Palestine Red Cross Society – Lebanon (PRCS/L) to improve access to essential health services for Syrian refugees and refugee host communities in Lebanon. Project activities include: (1) providing quality emergency medical care to refugees and host communities through Mobile Medical Units (MMUs); (2) increasing the capacities of health workers and volunteers to provide quality health services through training and technical support; (3) increasing the capacities of emergency medical services health facilities and primary healthcare centres; and (4) strengthening the capacity of LRCS and PRCS/L to provide emergency obstetric maternal and secondary healthcare services.

The expected outcomes for this project are: (1) improved access to health services for Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities; and (2) increased capacity of the Lebanese Red Cross Society and Palestine Red Cross Society to respond to the health needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or that are food insecure.