Restrictive and discriminatory blood donation criteria of non-Lebanese nationals are making it difficult for migrants to donate blood. Many migrants require transfusions due to delayed care or untreated conditions such as severe anemia, yet policies and prejudice continue to prevent them from donating. Migrants are often required to have donor from family in order to receive blood.
To cover this gap, MSF Bourj Hammoud clinic has spent around $1,000 in one month on blood purchases alone. MSF teams are working with the Lebanese Red Cross to clarify donation criteria, conduct pre-assessments, and organize a blood drive to improve access.