On August 4, 2020, the port of Beirut and the surrounding community were devastated by a massive explosion so large that it was felt across neighboring countries.

A Year of Recovery: What Support from Zaman has made possible in Beirut

On August 4, 2020, the port of Beirut and the surrounding community were devastated by a massive explosion so large that it was felt across neighboring countries.

The explosion left at least 220 dead, 6,500 injured and 300,000 displaced from their homes.
The explosion left at least 220 dead, 6,500 injured and 300,000 displaced from their homes.

International Medical Corps has been on the ground in Lebanon since 2006. With a staff of nearly 300 already in the country, we quickly launched an emergency response, reaching more than 54,300 people within the first two weeks.

Zaman International stepped up immediately to support our response. With funds from Zaman and others, International Medical Corps was able to meet the needs of people directly affected by the blast and support the recovery of the local health system.

International Medical Corps distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene kits, and also deployed mobile medical clinics and mobile mental health and psychosocial support services for people in the affected communities.

Zaman International’s support has helped our teams provide psychotropic medications to treat conditions mental health conditions such as depression and panic disorders.

A mobile mental health unit in Ein El Mreisseh.
A mobile mental health unit in Ein El Mreisseh.

In addition to direct services, International Medical Corps worked to strengthen the existing health system, supporting primary healthcare clinics that were damaged or impacted by the explosion, providing medical supplies and PPE as COVID-19 cases surged.

PPE Delivery to Hotel Dieu Hospital.
Staff deliver PPE to Hotel Dieu Hospital.

Zaman International’s support has bolstered our response, enabling our teams to reach 18 primary healthcare clinics with everything from N95 masks to gloves and gowns, when they needed it most.

The blast caused between $3.8 billion and $4.5 billion in damages. The health sector was amongst the most affected, with 36% of health facilities in the region damaged.

In Msaybeh, Tareek Jdidi, and Burj Hammoud, with funding from Zaman, International Medical Corps is rehabilitating three impacted healthcare facilities.

And we have provided healthcare facilities such as Msaytbeh Medical and Social Center-Makassed, Soeurs De Notre Dame De Charite Du Bon Pasteur, Dispensaire Saint Antoine, Al Kayan–Ghobeiry and Barja Social Cultural Club PHC with critical medications and supplies.

PPE Delivery at Hotel Dieu Hospital.
PPE Delivery at Hotel Dieu Hospital.

As our emergency response winds down, International Medical Corps continues to provide vulnerable Lebanese and refugee communities with primary healthcare, mental health care and other services through our ongoing programs in Lebanon.

Help us save lives.