As part of Amel’s response plan to the outbreak of the Corona Virus in Lebanon, Amel Association International, has initiated free PCR tests in its center in Bourj El Brajneh to detect and track Covid-19 cases, in cooperation with the Mérieux Foundation and the USJ (Rodolphe Mérieux Laboratory/ Faculty of Pharmacy).
The cooperation between Amel and the Mérieux Foundation started with the launching of the “Douris Mother and Child Health Center” which was also supported by the Principality of Monaco. This collaboration expanded after the spread of the Coronavirus. It now includes the training of Amel’s medical team in performing PCR examinations. This is the preliminary step of a broader plan developed by Amel in cooperation with local and international partners to reduce the spread of the virus in local communities.
It began with Amel’s medical staff taking random samples from the population adjacent to its Bourj El Brajneh Health and Development Center in Beirut, and more centers will follow in the coming days.
In parallel, Amel is cooperating in an emergency call center unit which was set up at the ministry of public health. Amel, under the supervision of the Ministry of and in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has sent 9 nurses to this cell. Their role is to respond to calls and inquiries from Palestinian refugees and displaced Syrians. In addition, Amel launched a call for solidarity at a local and international level to secure aid through donations for the most vulnerable.
Furthermore, a website has been launched by Amel to inform and spread awareness. It provides the population with the latest developments and recommendations related to COVID 19. In addition, the association launched a media campaign via social networks to inform Lebanese citizens about the dangers of the pandemic and how to deal with its spread.
