The Belgian Minister of State and Minister of Budget André Flahaut, First Secretary of the Belgian Embassy in Lebanon Jeroen Dubois and Chennou Zineb from the Féderation Wallonie-Bruxelles visited several of Amel’s projects in the Bekaa valley. Guided by Amel’s staff, the visitors saw the work of the primary healthcare centres in Kamed El Loz and Mashghara, as well as the mobile medical clinic which was stationed in Ghazeh, home to approximately 40 Syrian refugee families who live in largely makeshift camps.
Bekaa is home to more than 361,000 Syrian refugees and is thus a crucial area for Amel’s work. The Kamed El Loz centre treats and refers up to 3000 patients monthly, of whom most are Syrian women and children. Additionally, the centre organises activities aimed at child protection. The mobile medical clinic also tours the area of Kamed El Loz and provides another 1200 consultations per month for vulnerable and marginalised groups.
In the afternoon, the party visited Mashgharah, which in addition to health services also provides activities for youth, the elderly and professional training for both Syrians and Lebanese.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently funds child protection and health activities at Amel’s centres in Southern Lebanon. The visit will hopefully lead to increased future cooperation.
