On October 9, 2024, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health’s assigned primary healthcare provider—the Beirut Association for Social Development (BASD)–Health Sector— and as part of the university’s Emergency Relief for Lebanon, teams from the LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital, the LAU Medical Center–Saint John’s Hospital, LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, LAU Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing, and LAU School of Pharmacy deployed two mobile clinics to Amlieh High School in Ras El Nabaa in the first of several missions to provide essential primary care services, screenings, and dispense medications to those in need.

Upon leaving their homes, most of those displaced had either lost or had to leave behind their belongings, medicines and medical records, while newborns, lactating mothers and chronically ill patients lacked access to vital treatments. True to their raison d’être of helping Lebanon’s underserved populations, the LAU Mobile Clinics rose to the challenge. The missions were further strengthened through the skilled logistics and nursing teams at BASD, which ensured the smooth coordination and delivery of services, complementing LAU’s medical expertise with vital operational support.

At Amlieh High School, which currently shelters around 800 displaced people, the LAU medical centers’ teams—comprising one internal medicine physician with two residents, one pediatric physician with two residents, as well as four nurses and four staff members—provided primary care services, consultations, and counseling to more than 100 patients, including 44 children averaging 7.5 years of age.

At the end of the visit, the LAU team distributed 150 family care hygiene kits and 150 first aid kits and raised awareness on health and hygiene best practices.

Moving forward, the LAU Mobile Clinics Emergency Relief missions will pick up pace in the coming weeks to address the needs of as many displaced people as possible. As part of a comprehensive integrated care approach, the missions will involve the LAU schools of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and the psychology program to ensure an integrated, comprehensive support. This initiative will provide not only primary care and mental health support but also essential pharmaceutical services and health education to improve outcomes for displaced families.

In its commitment to making a lasting difference, LAU will work tirelessly and collaboratively to provide care, compassion, and hope to every community we serve.

Click here to support the mobile clinic’s mission.

Lebanon is facing a humanitarian catastrophe, and the need for urgent support has never been greater. Your help can enable LAU to deliver critical healthcare for patients, provide primary care and mental health support to displaced individuals, and safeguard the future of students facing hardship. You can learn more by visiting the LAU Emergency Relief for Lebanon.