Securing Tomorrow through Preventative Health

Due to food insecurity, lack of access to medicine, the very high cost of living, and frequent heatwaves, the health of children in Lebanon is at risk.

World Vision in Lebanon is providing support to vulnerable children and has recently realised that access to healthcare became a huge burden and decided to look for solutions. After a number of field visits and consultations with key stakeholders in the implementation of the National Health Strategy, it became evident that primary health centres across the country provide comprehensive services free of charge (only minimal self-contributions). Also, the current costs for secondary and tertiary health are beyond affordability for an insurance tailored for the most vulnerable population.

This context led to develop a population health management framework focused on primary care, prevention and education. Such a model will be proactive rather than reactive, inclusive rather than exclusive; and if properly executed would reduce the need for secondary and tertiary care services and their respective cost. The model is centered in community-based outreach, led through World Vision’s programmes that are already anchored in local, vulnerable communities. Community based staff have direct contact and trusting relationships with current programme beneficiaries, it is on these relationships that the health outreach will build. The goal is to bring vulnerable families back onto a health path, by nurturing the concept of managing their family health and reconnecting them with the services available at their nearest primary health centres.

In partnership with Vision Fund, Commercial Insurance, and Medicals at the Center, and facilitated by World Vision Lebanon, comprehensive health assessments are conducted for registered children and their siblings in Beirut, including the areas of Mazraa, Choueifat, and Chatila Camp. There will be clinical follow-ups and telemedicine in addition to on-going educational health awareness throughout the lifetime of the project. The initial health assessments involve thorough physical examinations conducted by specialised doctors from Medicals at the Center resulting in activation of insurance policy per child.

Navigating Medical Check-ups

The Health Day event was launched in Tariq Jdidi, popular neighborhood within Mazraa area targeting the registered children within the area. Prior to the health day, the families have been conducted by the nurses in Medicals at the Center to fill the child records in terms of health history, vaccination dates, etc... The families then were invited to Tariq Jdidi and demographic data was filled within the insurance application form. This is followed by an initial examination of the children before they proceed with a comprehensive health assessment. The final stage within the health day involves receiving feedback and addressing any potential concerns before departure.

“We received a call informing us about an insurance card application that required our presence for a complimentary check-up for my children's health. I initially arrived with the assumption that my children were in good health. However, upon arrival, I was surprised to learn the opposite. My daughter, Abir, was diagnosed with bone and dental issues, as well as a scalp condition. Additionally, one of my sons was found to have abnormal leg bones that need a medical intervention” shares Abir, a mother of four.

“I'm really happy about getting a medical check-up, and I'm not afraid at all. I feel like I'm strong and in great shape because I always have the energy to play and enjoy my time,” says nine-year-old Dima while waiting with her little brother and mother for their check-ups.

Addressing Challenges and Nurturing Well-being

The initial examination involved measuring weight, height, blood type, and checking for allergies. The medical team included both a male and a female pediatrician, giving families the choice of their preferred doctor. Families were taken to separate examination rooms with their children to undergo the medical check-up. In the end, a digital health record was created for each child so that parents can follow up on their children’s health with ease, and the doctors through the follow-up consultation calls to maintain and encourage tackling any health concerns for the children that will affect their well-being and development.

"Today, in collaboration with World Vision, we've commenced health check-ups for registered children and their siblings," says Dr. Rola Osman, a pediatrician and specialist in adolescent medicine. "Ongoing economic challenges have hindered regular health monitoring for these children. Recent observations highlight new health conditions arising from malnutrition, as well as Anemia (blood deficiency) and Vitamin D insufficiencies. Parents also lack the resources to engage specialised medical attention for their children's health concerns."

A recent study done in June 2023 by UNICEF shows that “75 percent of households reduced spending on health treatment, as compared to 60 percent in June 2022”. This alarming number demonstrates that the issues are relevant, and that children's health is being compromised due to the country’s economic situation. “The financial crisis and COVID-19 severely impacted people's health in Lebanon. In particular, children, who haven't had a health check in years. In partnership with Commercial Insurance and Medicals at the Center, we co-created an insurance product that helps families to better manage their health, thereby reducing the incidence of illness and having insurance cover for unexpected accidents or injuries,” states Hans Bederski, National Director of World Vision Lebanon.

Following the health examination, approximately 2,400 children from Mazraa, Choueifat and Chatila Camp will gain the advantage of having insurance cards in Beirut, providing coverage for health issues related to personal accidents for a duration of one year. Through the provision of these cards, we can ensure the safety of our children and guarantee that they receive the necessary medical attention they deserve. In addition, this programme will highlight the impact health has on child protection and raise awareness with the families and their communities on the importance of preventative health measures within the development cycle of the children.