2023-09-24 05:59:59
The “lack of certainty” characterizes the general mood that awaits all the displaced people of Ain al-Hilweh, after the ceasefire announcement in the camp passed its first week. On the one hand, an atmosphere of distrust prevails over any settlement that might emerge from the parties to the fighting, and on the other hand, the camp, which witnessed bloody battles, resulting in dozens of deaths and the destruction of a huge part of the urban development internally and on the outskirts of the camp, which extends over a distance of one kilometer, is not eligible for return. A number of displaced people and monitoring humanitarian organizations agree that resuming normal life without any general political-security resolution, and restoring the destroyed homes, some of which were turned into barricades, and the UNRWA schools that were occupied and used as military barracks, is not possible (see “Cities”).
General health situation
While thousands remain, and humanitarian and journalistic reports spoke of their number exceeding 11,000 as the outcome of the first and second fighting battles (not to mention the displacement of thousands to other neighborhoods in the camp), of Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese nationalities whose fate and future lifestyle are unknown, inside the temporary shelters in Sidon and its environs, Especially in the areas where the clashes intensified, such as Al-Tira, Al-Taware, Al-Taameer, Al-Bustan, Ras Al-Ahmar, and Jabal Al-Halib. Apartments and houses in these areas suffered severe damage, and their owners often tend to refrain from returning to them if they have not been restored.
As part of its social follow-up of the situation of the displaced from the “Ain al-Hilweh” camp, Al-Modon communicated with a number of organizations working in the camp and in temporary shelters in mosques near the camp and UNRWA-affiliated schools in the city of Sidon and its environs, such as the town of Siblin. Al-Modon learned from field teams about the spread of some diseases among the displaced, specifically children, in addition to the worsening health situation among advanced age groups, as a result of the shortage of resources and humanitarian aid in some shelter centers (mattresses, baby milk and diapers, sanitary supplies for women), and the spread of Some epidemics resulting from overcrowding in shelter homes, accompanied by a threat to the food and health security of the displaced in the short and long term, if some civil organizations and associations stop supporting refugees in these centers (some of which are not sponsored by UNRWA).
Doctors without borders
Al-Modon contacted Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to inquire about the general health situation of the displaced, specifically in shelters. “The security situation in Ain al-Hilweh and the subsequent displacement have had an impact on the health and humanitarian needs of the camp residents in Sidon, which requires dedicated support from various local and international actors,” notes MSF’s medical coordinator in Lebanon, Dr. Kalin Rahma. “To address these escalating needs, Our teams moved quickly to work by deploying a mobile clinic operating in more than eight different locations within Sidon and Siblin.This mobile clinic primarily focuses on providing basic medical consultations, supporting continuity of care for chronic diseases, providing health awareness services, and providing psychological and social first aid. “.
“Some patients also need support to access secondary health care or basic needs,” she adds. “However, the health care challenges faced by camp residents extend beyond these services as there are significant needs that affect their health in terms of food, water and sanitation.” , hygiene, shelter and protection.”
Accommodation priority
Rahma explains, “It is important to recognize that living conditions during displacement can contribute to increasing the risk of the development or deterioration of various diseases, whether infectious or chronic. To mitigate these risks, it is necessary to address basic health and non-health needs by prioritizing the establishment of shelter sites.” appropriate, in addition to providing clean and safe water, hygiene supplies, food and other basic materials.”
In light of these difficult circumstances, from September 9 until now, MSF has provided 16,000 liters of water and 277 hygiene kits. The coordinator reports that they conducted 21 health awareness sessions, adding, “While local and international NGOs and agencies are already doing exceptional work, we urge all relevant actors and stakeholders to intensify and sustain response efforts. It is important that we work collectively in order to secure healthy conditions.” “Safe livelihood for those who have sought refuge outside the camp and continue to support current and future needs. By doing so, we can proactively address potential health challenges that may arise and ensure the health of displaced families.”
Shelter volunteers
A number of volunteers in shelters adjacent to the camp who Al-Modon met confirm that the health situation is in a chronic and continuous deterioration. There is a huge proportion of cases injured as a result of clashes that did not receive the adequate and desired assistance. Others point out that the Palestinian Red Crescent is the one who is currently providing first aid and basic medical contributions in these centers, and the treatments for those affected and injured remain preliminary and not advanced and are limited to immediate treatment, not proactive, without intervention from UNRWA. They expressed their concern about this situation, especially the fact that it has caused a state of panic and panic among the displaced, specifically women who have recently given birth and/or pregnant women, who fear the deterioration of their health conditions, not to mention the conditions of their children.
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