A special event was held at Karantina Hospital to celebrate the new partnership between Stouh Beirut Association and the Australian Embassy, aimed at supporting the hospital’s Mother and Child Wing. The event was attended by Australian Ambassador Andrew Barnes, Stouh Beirut President Dalia Dagher, Karantina Hospital Chairman Dr. Michel Matter, Hospital Director Karen Saqr, Pamela Zgheib, Head of the Mother and Child Health Department at the Ministry of Health, and representatives from Les Toits de Beyrouth in Paris.
In his speech, Ambassador Barnes highlighted the importance of Australia’s continued support for the Lebanese health sector. He emphasized that this collaboration, following previous partnerships with UNICEF, reflects Australia’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for mothers and children, particularly at Karantina Hospital, which was rebuilt after the 2020 explosion and now serves as one of Lebanon’s leading medical facilities.
Dalia Dagher expressed pride in the first collaboration between Stouh Beirut and the Australian Embassy, noting its alignment with the association’s mission to empower and protect women medically and psychologically. She stressed that this partnership complements Stouh Beirut’s “Femmes du Soleil” project in Dhour Choueir, providing women with safe spaces and essential support.
Dr. Michel Matter praised the generous donation of medical equipment including portable blood pressure monitors, specialized computers, infusion stands, surgical lighting, and essential maternity and patient care equipment highlighting its impact on the quality of care provided at the hospital.
Hospital Director Karen Saker thanked Stouh Beirut and the Australian Embassy, noting that the support allows the hospital to continue offering care to mothers and children of all nationalities without discrimination.
Pamela Zgheib underscored the significance of collaboration between embassies, civil society, and governmental institutions, emphasizing that joint efforts are essential to achieving meaningful outcomes in healthcare.
This partnership represents a vital step in enhancing maternal and child health services in Lebanon and reinforces the ongoing commitment of Stouh Beirut, the Australian Embassy, and Karantina Hospital to the well-being of women and children across the country.
Les Toits de Beyrouth
