Developing quality essential care for poor populations in Lebanon: The SOHA 2 Project<\/h1>\n\u2014 Lebanon \u2014<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.fondationpierrefabre.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/06\/Soha320.jpg\" "\\"Soha320\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>BACKGROUND<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The SOHA project (\u201cSoha\u201d means \u201chealth\u201d in Arabic) focuses on prevention, the development of medical consultations, the treatment of patients suffering from chronic diseases, the fight against over-consumption of medication, and support for the financial stability of healthcare structures.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nCONTEXT<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Pierre Fabre Foundation has been active in Lebanon since 2002, supporting\u00a0the activities of the Khaldieh medical-social center<\/a> operated by the Order of Malta Lebanon. Since 2016, it has also been involved in setting up a\u00a0mobile medical unit in the Western Beqaa<\/a>\u00a0to meet the health needs of refugees from Syria and disadvantaged Lebanese populations.<\/p>\nAlerted to the country\u2019s worsening health situation by its long-standing partner, the Foundation participated in building a three-year program (2020-2022), which aims to meet the growing need for quality care, coupled with awareness and screening campaigns to facilitate early patient treatment.<\/p>\n
Since 2019, Lebanon has been experiencing one of the three most serious economic and financial crises in the world, plunging more than 30% of the population into extreme poverty, according to the World Bank. Key indicators have deteriorated, while the burden of chronic disease remains the most important component of Lebanon\u2019s health profile, accounting for 91% of all deaths according to the World Health Organization.<\/p>\n
The Soha 2 project aims to address the health consequences of the impoverishment of the population in Lebanon. It adopts an innovative approach based on prevention and access to healthcare for the most vulnerable patients with chronic pathologies, thanks in particular to community mobilization and the introduction of a hybrid medical approach combining outpatient consultations and tele-expertise, while regulating the trend towards over-consumption of medicine and drugs. The initiative\u2019s sustainability hinges on a revised approach to healthcare, in conjunction with the long-term primary healthcare subsidization protocol, continued accreditation of the primary healthcare centers of the Order of Malta Lebanon (OML), epidemiological monitoring and efforts to achieve financial stability.<\/p>\n
DESCRIPTION\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nThe changing living conditions of the people in Lebanon \u2014 in an environment that has deteriorated sharply against a backdrop of\u00a0economic and social crisis<\/strong>, renewed tensions between the Lebanese and Syrian populations, and the possible extension of the conflict with Israel \u2014 calls for a rethinking of the medical approach by opting to maintain the population in good health through the prevention of chronic diseases. This medical approach, aligned with the National Health Strategy: Vision 2030 launched by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), involves a change in the doctor-patient relationship. Preventive measures include information on lifestyle, prophylaxis against chronic diseases, mental health and vaccination, with particular emphasis on community mobilization. Information campaigns are organized in close coordination with the MoPH, including gender and youth programs.<\/p>\nCare for patients suffering from\u00a0multimorbid pathologies<\/strong> focuses on risk factor reduction, reinforced medical monitoring, a personalized mix of outpatient consultations and tele-expertise, appropriate treatment and patient empowerment. The care protocols meet the national recommendations of the Long-term primary healthcare subsidization protocol. Now that drug inventory management is effective both at the OML\u2019s central depot and in the pharmacies of its primary health centers, a solution for quickly recording medical prescriptions is being developed in the Phenics health information system. This makes it possible, in particular, to manage purchases on a tailored, forward-looking basis, and to reconcile medications.<\/p>\nFollowing the accreditation of 6 out of the 11 primary care centers managed by the OML, a quality control process has been set up and includes the integration of care protocols, the use of algorithms, and regular internal audits of specific activities in all centers. The quality approach is based on a quest for the financial stability of the centers. Monitoring and evaluation tools are defined for each medical activity. Operationalization processes are reviewed to improve efficiency, and monthly monitoring is carried out. Research topics are directly linked to medical activities so as to measure their relevance and effectiveness. Research findings are used as decision-making tools to guide medical activities. They are also published and shared with technical and financial partners working in Lebanon (ministries, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, non-governmental organizations).<\/p>\n
OUTCOMES<\/strong><\/p>\nAt the end of the Soha 2 project, over\u00a0420,000 patients<\/strong>\u00a0will have benefited directly from the project. 6 information campaigns will have been organized.\u00a012,000 patients<\/strong>\u00a0will have been screened thanks to the 6 campaigns carried out.\u00a0108,000 patients<\/strong>\u00a0will have benefited from medical-pharmaceutical care.\u00a01,980 people<\/strong>\u00a0will be trained. The financial sustainability of the centers will be improved, guaranteeing better continuity for the OML\u2019s medical activities. The two centers that report directly to the OML, not yet accredited, will be and\/or will be ready to be accredited. The outcomes of epidemiological monitoring activities will be shared with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). The model developed through the Soha project (1 and 2) is a benchmark with a reproducible approach that has set a precedent in the context of a failed state, particularly for other primary health centers integrated into the Ministry of Public Health\u2019s network.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>KEY FACTS<\/span>
\n<\/strong>_____<\/p>\nPriority<\/strong>
\nAccess to healthcare for the most vulnerable communities<\/p>\nProgram<\/strong>
\n2024-2026<\/p>\nType of involvement
\n<\/strong>Funder and Operator<\/p>\nAction
\n<\/strong>\u2013 Guarantee access to quality care and develop the hybrid consultation system: outpatient and tele-expertise
\n\u2013 Prevent and treat chronic diseases through community mobilization
\n\u2013 Regulate the over-consumption of medication
\n\u2013 Support the financial stability and sustainability of primary healthcare subsidies and health center accreditations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE INITIATIVES<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Achievements<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>420,000\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span>patients directly benefiting from the project
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>108,000\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span>patients receiving medical-pharmaceutical care
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>12,000\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span>patients screened
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>1,980<\/span>
\n<\/span>people trained
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>PARTNERS<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The Order of Malta Lebanon (OML)<\/strong>\u00a0is an apolitical humanitarian organization whose sole agenda is to uphold the dignity of every human being, while respecting their differences. Active in Lebanon since 1953, the OML has developed its activities to meet the needs of the most underprivileged through medical aid and social services across the country. The OML enjoys partnerships with all the religious communities in Lebanon, with the Lebanese Army, and with a diplomatic network through the embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Co-financeurs : AFD<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>See also<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div>BACKGROUND<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> The SOHA project (\u201cSoha\u201d means \u201chealth\u201d in Arabic) focuses on prevention, the development of medical consultations, the treatment of patients suffering from chronic diseases, the fight against over-consumption of medication, and support for the financial stability of healthcare structures.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n CONTEXT<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pierre Fabre Foundation has been active in Lebanon since 2002, supporting\u00a0the activities of the Khaldieh medical-social center<\/a> operated by the Order of Malta Lebanon. Since 2016, it has also been involved in setting up a\u00a0mobile medical unit in the Western Beqaa<\/a>\u00a0to meet the health needs of refugees from Syria and disadvantaged Lebanese populations.<\/p>\n Alerted to the country\u2019s worsening health situation by its long-standing partner, the Foundation participated in building a three-year program (2020-2022), which aims to meet the growing need for quality care, coupled with awareness and screening campaigns to facilitate early patient treatment.<\/p>\n Since 2019, Lebanon has been experiencing one of the three most serious economic and financial crises in the world, plunging more than 30% of the population into extreme poverty, according to the World Bank. Key indicators have deteriorated, while the burden of chronic disease remains the most important component of Lebanon\u2019s health profile, accounting for 91% of all deaths according to the World Health Organization.<\/p>\n The Soha 2 project aims to address the health consequences of the impoverishment of the population in Lebanon. It adopts an innovative approach based on prevention and access to healthcare for the most vulnerable patients with chronic pathologies, thanks in particular to community mobilization and the introduction of a hybrid medical approach combining outpatient consultations and tele-expertise, while regulating the trend towards over-consumption of medicine and drugs. The initiative\u2019s sustainability hinges on a revised approach to healthcare, in conjunction with the long-term primary healthcare subsidization protocol, continued accreditation of the primary healthcare centers of the Order of Malta Lebanon (OML), epidemiological monitoring and efforts to achieve financial stability.<\/p>\n DESCRIPTION\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The changing living conditions of the people in Lebanon \u2014 in an environment that has deteriorated sharply against a backdrop of\u00a0economic and social crisis<\/strong>, renewed tensions between the Lebanese and Syrian populations, and the possible extension of the conflict with Israel \u2014 calls for a rethinking of the medical approach by opting to maintain the population in good health through the prevention of chronic diseases. This medical approach, aligned with the National Health Strategy: Vision 2030 launched by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), involves a change in the doctor-patient relationship. Preventive measures include information on lifestyle, prophylaxis against chronic diseases, mental health and vaccination, with particular emphasis on community mobilization. Information campaigns are organized in close coordination with the MoPH, including gender and youth programs.<\/p>\n Care for patients suffering from\u00a0multimorbid pathologies<\/strong> focuses on risk factor reduction, reinforced medical monitoring, a personalized mix of outpatient consultations and tele-expertise, appropriate treatment and patient empowerment. The care protocols meet the national recommendations of the Long-term primary healthcare subsidization protocol. Now that drug inventory management is effective both at the OML\u2019s central depot and in the pharmacies of its primary health centers, a solution for quickly recording medical prescriptions is being developed in the Phenics health information system. This makes it possible, in particular, to manage purchases on a tailored, forward-looking basis, and to reconcile medications.<\/p>\n Following the accreditation of 6 out of the 11 primary care centers managed by the OML, a quality control process has been set up and includes the integration of care protocols, the use of algorithms, and regular internal audits of specific activities in all centers. The quality approach is based on a quest for the financial stability of the centers. Monitoring and evaluation tools are defined for each medical activity. Operationalization processes are reviewed to improve efficiency, and monthly monitoring is carried out. Research topics are directly linked to medical activities so as to measure their relevance and effectiveness. Research findings are used as decision-making tools to guide medical activities. They are also published and shared with technical and financial partners working in Lebanon (ministries, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, non-governmental organizations).<\/p>\n OUTCOMES<\/strong><\/p>\n At the end of the Soha 2 project, over\u00a0420,000 patients<\/strong>\u00a0will have benefited directly from the project. 6 information campaigns will have been organized.\u00a012,000 patients<\/strong>\u00a0will have been screened thanks to the 6 campaigns carried out.\u00a0108,000 patients<\/strong>\u00a0will have benefited from medical-pharmaceutical care.\u00a01,980 people<\/strong>\u00a0will be trained. The financial sustainability of the centers will be improved, guaranteeing better continuity for the OML\u2019s medical activities. The two centers that report directly to the OML, not yet accredited, will be and\/or will be ready to be accredited. The outcomes of epidemiological monitoring activities will be shared with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). The model developed through the Soha project (1 and 2) is a benchmark with a reproducible approach that has set a precedent in the context of a failed state, particularly for other primary health centers integrated into the Ministry of Public Health\u2019s network.<\/p>\n<\/div> KEY FACTS<\/span> Priority<\/strong> Program<\/strong> Type of involvement Action 420,000\u00a0<\/span> 108,000\u00a0<\/span> 12,000\u00a0<\/span> 1,980<\/span> The Order of Malta Lebanon (OML)<\/strong>\u00a0is an apolitical humanitarian organization whose sole agenda is to uphold the dignity of every human being, while respecting their differences. Active in Lebanon since 1953, the OML has developed its activities to meet the needs of the most underprivileged through medical aid and social services across the country. The OML enjoys partnerships with all the religious communities in Lebanon, with the Lebanese Army, and with a diplomatic network through the embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta.<\/p>\n<\/div> Co-financeurs : AFD<\/p>\n<\/div>
\n<\/strong>_____<\/p>\n
\nAccess to healthcare for the most vulnerable communities<\/p>\n
\n2024-2026<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Funder and Operator<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>\u2013 Guarantee access to quality care and develop the hybrid consultation system: outpatient and tele-expertise
\n\u2013 Prevent and treat chronic diseases through community mobilization
\n\u2013 Regulate the over-consumption of medication
\n\u2013 Support the financial stability and sustainability of primary healthcare subsidies and health center accreditations.<\/p>\n<\/div>ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE INITIATIVES<\/h2>\n<\/div>
Achievements<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>
\n<\/span>patients directly benefiting from the project
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>
\n<\/span>patients receiving medical-pharmaceutical care
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>
\n<\/span>patients screened
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>
\n<\/span>people trained
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>PARTNERS<\/h2>\n<\/div>
See also<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>