Since late 2019, Lebanon has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, social unrest and political turmoil. On top of that, and following the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020, a major explosion tore through the capital, Beirut, in August. These overlapping crises have exacerbated people's vulnerability and pushed thousands into poverty. All this comes in addition to a protracted displacements situation with the small country hosting the largest number of refugees in the world.

This context is expected to worsen people's health condition and access to care in Lebanon. MSF is present in a dozen of locations across the country and over the past year, staff working in MSF clinics have observed an increase in vulnerability among our patients.

In the northern part of the Bekaa Valley, MSF has been providing free primary healthcare to vulnerable communities in Hermel and Arsal since 2012. Both MSF clinics offer free medical care for patients with non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD), acute paediatric consultations, sexual and reproductive health services and mental health support.