Mohanna: Khiam Embodies the Pain of the South and the Pride of Lebanon
General Cabrichos: We Will Remain by the People’s Side in the South

In a ceremony held in the town of Khiam, the Amel Association International, in partnership with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL – Eastern Sector), launched a new mobile clinic that will travel through villages and towns around Khiam. The goal is to provide health care and support services, reinforcing community resilience and continuing Amel’s long-standing humanitarian mission of reaching people wherever they are.

The event was attended by General Ricardo Esteban Cabrichos, Commander of UNIFIL’s Eastern Sector; Ms. Eva Teryk Vazerk, Head of Civil Affairs at UNIFIL; Lt. Colonel Carlo Bessenda Garcia; Captain Oscar Castillo; Bishop Elias Kfoury; Marjayoun Mayor Sari Ghalmiyeh; Ibl al-Saqi Mayor George Rahal; a delegation from Khiam Municipality representing its mayor; a representative of the district governor Wissam Hayek; Kfarshouba Deputy Mayor Jihad Diab; Brigadier General Tony Fares’ representative Brig. Gen. Hassan Diab; Mukhtars Ahmad Hassan, Ali Saad, Bassam Ghosn, and Ali Rashid; Dr. Alain Dondin, President of Amel France; engineer Hassan Ghannoum, representative of a Canadian medical association; Mr. Moussa Barakat; and Ms. Sarah Khoury. They were received by Dr. Kamel Mohanna, President of Amel Association International, his spouse, administrative board member Zeina Mohanna, and Amel’s team from the Marjayoun-Hasbaya region.

The launch of this mobile clinic carries a humanitarian, medical, and developmental message—reflecting the persistence of southern communities, Amel Association, and UNIFIL in reviving land and people after every war. It reaffirms that resilience is a daily act, not a slogan, and that health care is a right, not a privilege. Since 1980, Amel’s mobile clinics have stood as one of the most innovative solutions to guaranteeing the right to health for everyone in Lebanon.

Today, Amel’s mobile clinics operate across the country—from Tyre, Marjayoun, and Khiam in the South, to Beirut and the Central and Northern Bekaa—carrying out tens of thousands of interventions annually. In camps, villages, and cities, these clinics stand as a testament to ongoing humanitarian commitment based on the principle that health is a right defined not by geography or wealth, but by human dignity.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Dr. Zeina Mohanna, followed by a speech from Captain Oscar Castillo and then Dr. Kamel Mohanna.

Mohanna: “The Mobile Clinic is a Bridge of Life and Solidarity”

In his speech, Dr. Kamel Mohanna noted that Khiam is a symbol of sacrifice and resilience—embodying the pain of the South and the pride of Lebanon. He said, “It rises from its ashes every time thanks to its people who chose to be ‘guardians of dignity, not victims of war.’”

“This clinic is not just a medical project—it is a mobile humanitarian message that reconnects people with their right to health and dignity. It is an extension of Amel’s 50-year mission: defending people’s rights and dignity, regardless of their affiliations.”

He expressed deep appreciation to UNIFIL forces, stating that they “have stood by the people of the South for decades, witnessing their suffering and resilience, playing a pivotal role in documenting violations and supporting humanitarian stability.”

Mohanna continued: “The relationship between Amel and UNIFIL is a model partnership that goes beyond formalities to real action on the ground. This new clinic proves that international solidarity is not a luxury, but a moral duty, and that development and resilience are two sides of the same coin.”

He concluded, “Since the liberation, the Khiam center has been a living embodiment of Amel’s commitment to serve humanity. It opened its doors to all without discrimination, becoming a refuge for the vulnerable and a safe haven for the suffering. It never closed its doors—not even in the darkest times. Although the recent war caused near-total destruction, we rehabilitated the center with unwavering determination. And now, we are preparing to build a new center in response to the needs of Khiam and its surrounding areas—affirming Amel’s enduring presence among the people, as always: in the heart of suffering, for the sake of human dignity.

This new clinic is part of that mission—a field-based approach that doesn’t hide behind office walls or wait for funding to act. The staff will reach every village, offering care to the elderly, women, and children, and restoring hope to those who thought the world had forgotten them.”

General Cabrichos: “UNIFIL Will Remain by the People’s Side”

General Ricardo Esteban Cabrichos expressed pride in UNIFIL’s partnership with Amel Association, affirming that UNIFIL’s mission extends beyond security to include community support and resilience-building.

“Our presence in the South is not just about border protection—it’s about serving people and building bridges of trust and hope. This mobile clinic we are launching today reflects the spirit of cooperation between the United Nations and Lebanese civil society, for a healthier and more peaceful future for all,” he said.

In conclusion, the ribbon was cut to officially announce that Amel Association has received the mobile clinic, which will now join the network of mobile health units operating across the South—standing by our people during this critical and challenging time.