The start of the growing conflict in Lebanon has already resulted in the displacement of more than 4,000 Palestinian refugees from different affected areas of the country. Many of them, including those displaced from camps in Beirut, the Bekaa and southern Lebanon, are now receiving medical care in 12 UNRWA health centers in operationthe United Nations Agency for the Refugee Population of Palestine.
Fadwa Mizyana, a 51-year-old Palestinian refugee, was moved a few days ago from Qasmieh, in southern Lebanon, to the Nahr El-Bared camp in the north, considered a safer place, far from the targets of the Israeli forces. Fadwa escaped the dangerous situation in the south with her husband, mother and sisters. They couldn’t take it anymore. “I suffer from diabetes and hypertension. “I can’t survive without taking my medicine. »
Fadwa had to leave southern Lebanon and move to a safer area where she could access medical care and get her medication. “All pharmacies, some hospitals and all UNRWA health centers had to close in southern Lebanon. Before, I received treatment at an UNRWA clinic in Qasmieh, but now I am receiving treatment at another health center in Nahr El-Bared. “I fear we will never be able to return to our normal homes and lives. »
Despite everything that is happening in the affected areas, UNRWA staff have made the necessary efforts to meet the needs of refugees who have not been able to leave these areas. Medicines were distributed to patients with chronic diseases in the Rashidieh camp, southern Lebanon, via a vehicle parked near the camp’s mobile health points. It was planned to do the same in the Burj El-Shemali camp in southern Lebanon, but unfortunately, due to the situation there, staff could not arrive.
Emerging public health risks pose additional challenges for healthcare workers and displaced refugees. Fortunately, so far, no outbreaks of infectious disease have been reported among the displaced refugees. However, recently, WHO issues warning after detecting first case of cholera highly contagious in northern Lebanon, which has raised serious concerns about those displaced by the bombings and the risks posed by this disease.
Among the Palestinian refugees most affected today are pregnant women, who fear giving birth amid this chaotic situation. Aya Mousa, Palestinian refugee from Syriahas lived in Lebanon for almost a decade.
She is the mother of two children and is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy. “We had to leave the Burj El-Barajneh camp on September 23 for fear of being trapped in the camp. » Aya explains that the only functioning Palestinian Red Crescent hospital in the camp and the UNRWA clinic have closed due to the situation and the growing conflict. Aya now resides in northern Lebanon, where she continues her pregnancy with a midwife at the UNRWA clinic and receives all necessary supplements. “Due to the current situation, my husband and I cannot afford to buy enough food or vitamins. We survive thanks to what we receive from UNRWA. I’m not getting enough nutrients, which is seriously affecting my baby and putting me at risk of premature birth. I came from Beirut to northern Lebanon with my husband and two children on a single motorbike. “I don’t know when my contractions will start or how I’ll get to the hospital if the ambulance can’t get to the camp on time. » Fortunately, Aya would not have to pay the fees if she gives birth naturally at the Palestinian Red Crescent hospital, as UNRWA covers 100% of delivery costspromoting the health of mother and baby.
Despite the difficulties caused by the ongoing conflict, UNRWA’s attempts to provide medical care reflect the urgent needs of Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homes to safer areas. Although quick actions —medication distribution and emergency hospitalizations— have helped to alleviate certain health problems, the situation remains unstable, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and pregnant women.
Given the unpredictability of violence and the imminent spread of diseases such as cholera, there is an immediate need for long-term solutions and continued international support. For thousands of Palestinian refugees, their existence depends on the provision of humanitarian aid.
