Lebanese medical staff in this region are coping well with the situation. However, stocks of medical supplies are running low, especially for chronic diseases, so MSF has supplied more. MSF is working with the Lebanese medical teams to set up mobile clinics for the displaced population. 

Southern Lebanon

In Tyre (Sour), MSF has started running a clinic in a former hospital and teams there are providing about 80 consultations each day. Many of the patients have chronic diseases but had been unable to continue their treatment because of the conflict. Since the weekend, MSF has also been providing medical care to displaced people gathered in schools and other community buildings in the town. Teams have delivered drugs to health posts in some of the surrounding villages.

MSF has also distributed cooking equipment, baby milk and soap to 500 displaced families in Saida. Access to the far south remains difficult, and it is immensely frustrating that we are not able to reach the places where people are most in need. MSF continue to assess needs in the town of Jezzine and has distributed aid to 3,000 displaced people in nearby villages. Many people need mattresses and blankets, and some are also beginning to experience food shortages.

Beirut and the Chouf region

In Beirut, about 70,000 displaced people are living in several hundred schools. MSF teams have started running mobile clinics in the east and west of the city and have already seen more than 200 patients. One of the main problems is the lack of clean water, washing areas, toilets and showers. There is also a shortage of treatment for people suffering from chronic diseases. MSF plans next to assess areas in the south and investigate the need for mental health support for people in Beirut.

More than 100,000 people have already fled from other parts of Lebanon to the Chouf region, south-east of Beirut. More families are still arriving. Some of the displaced people do not have any means of their own. MSF team in Aaley and Beit Ed Dine districts have distributed hygiene products, cooking equipment and blankets to those most in need, targeting about 600 families, almost 4,000 people, in four days. The distributions have begun in the towns of Bhamdoun, Choueifat, Aaley and Kayfoun. The local community is providing assistance to the displaced people but it has been two weeks now and food supplies are running low in some areas. There is a shortage of clean drinking water.

Teams are working to improve the water and sanitation facilities in areas where displaced people have gathered. Lebanese medical staff in this region are coping well with the situation. However, stocks of medical supplies are running low, especially for chronic diseases, so MSF has supplied more.

MSF is working with the Lebanese medical teams to set up mobile clinics for the displaced population. In Syria, MSF is assessing the needs of refugees both in Damascus and in the border areas. A team has started to assist 3,000 refugees sheltering in schools, gyms and hangars. Relief goods and staff continue to be sent from Europe to the region. We are currently using Larnaca in Cyprus as a supply base. 80 tons were flown into Larnaca at the end of last week.