Over 13 million people have fled their homes due to the long lasting conflict in Syria. Out of those who have crossed the country’s borders, most have found new homes in neighboring countries. One of these countries is Lebanon where 1.5 million Syrians currently live, making up nearly a quarter of the country’s current population. This creates pressure on various aspects of life in Lebanon, including the already overwhelmed health system.

Support of Health Service - Prenatal Care

Together with Caritas Lebanon, we supported the local health service in 2017, specifically prenatal care of vulnerable women. Through our aid, vulnerable women in seven health centers across the country have been able to undergo ultrasound and other important tests, and have gynecological consultations. In Lebanon, we provided training for head nurses in selected health centers and organized awareness-raising sessions which covered topics, such as prenatal care, breastfeeding, nurturing, and postnatal care.

Immediate Aid after the Beirut Explosion

The massive explosion of ammonium nitrate in the port of Beirut in August 2020 dramatically affected the lives of the Lebanese for a long time. The country was dealing with a deep economic crisis prior to the explosion, which was worsened by the disaster even more. Caritas Czech Republic immediately launched a public collection to help Lebanon, to which the Czech donors contributing more than 2 million Czech crowns. This collection aided more than 220,000 people.

We also immediately immersed ourselves in helping the victims of this disaster. Together with partner Caritas Lebanon and other Caritas from Europe, we helped the locals rebuild their destroyed homes and provided food and sanitary and health packages. We provided medical care and psychosocial assistance to people who are dealing with aftermaths of a traumatic experience.

Caritas Switzerland, which has been operating in the country for a long time, is coordinating the distribution of the aid.

August 5, 2021 News

Beirut explosion survivor remembers the horrific moments and thanks Caritas for its help

Wednesday, August 4, marked exactly one year since the devastating Beirut explosion which killed more than 200 people and injured 17,500 others. More than 250,000 people were displaced. The needs of the locals remain high, and support to vulnerable communities in Lebanon is as essential as ever. Thanks to the Czech donors, we were able to help more than 300,000 people. Joseph is one of them.

June 15, 2021 News

The aftermath of the Beirut explosion: Caritas helped 301 896 people

200 people were killed and thousands injured as a result of the Beirut explosion in August 2020. Caritas Czech Republic opened a fundraiser in order help the victims of the blast. Czech donors donated more than 2 million Czech crowns. Thank you! How did we use the money?

April 8, 2021 News

Wardé: Caritas helped me carry on

Wardé, a 63-year-old nurse and mother of three, smiles as she tells her unbelievable life story. One would not say how much suffering she had in her life. Death of a son, marriage to a drug addict, loss of her own home and an explosion in the capital of Lebanon, where she lives. Caritas helped Wardé to keep fighting. For her children, home and a better life.

February 2, 2021 Lebanon

Saving Lebanon: More than 218 495 people got another chance

The explosion of nearly 3 000 tons of ammonium nitrate at the port in Beirut has had a long lasting serious impact on the whole Lebanese population. If it was not for organisations such as Caritas, a huge number of people would not have had a chance to get back on their feet, since they were living close to the poverty line already before the 4^th August. The Prime Minister resigned soon after the blast, and since then the country has been practically without governance. The longer this lasts, the more difficult it is to see a way out of it.