WHO in Lebanon: A first-hand account
«At 8 am, I start my day by participating at an
Inter-Agency meeting where the UN discusses the
work and challenges of the day. We share information
and we coordinate our operations. My day finishes
between about 8 and 10 pm, as is the case for
everyone here working on the Lebanon crisis.»
«There are places I go quite regularly: the port
and the airport in Beirut for example, as I need to
pick up WHO’s supplies or equipment. I am also in
charge of reception of phones and IT for WHO staff.
It is critical that they have the equipment they need
to get the work done.»
«The road for the airport is quite dangerous as it
is situated in the south of Beirut. We cannot move
without full security clearance. As logisticians we
simply need to go there.»
«One of my rewarding days was this past Sunday.
WHO and other agencies went to Zahle, in the
Bekaa Valley. Previously, we had been to the South
(Tyre, Jezzine and Saida), but it was the first time
that the UN was able to reach this community in the
Bekaa Valley.»
«They welcomed us so warmly; it was a special
moment for me.» WHO delivered 500 kilogrammes
of medicines to the main hospital. «One of WHO’s
strengths is to make choices according to the needs.
We had been told people in Zehle needed medication
for chronically-ill people. We brought that to
them.»
«Now, I have regular contact with the Director of
the hospital. He informed me that he distributed
the drugs to Public Health Centres and he sent
another list with drugs that are missing.»
José notes that it’s important to build networks, and
show what WHO is doing. «It’s not always that obvious
for the locals as many NGOs and UN agencies
are present in the field.»
José is also proud that WHO now has its own 650
m2 warehouse. «It offers enough space to store complete
medical kits, bulk drugs and small donations.»
This week, a cooling system was installed which
allows better preservation of drugs and vaccines.
Other agencies can also take advantage of the warehouse
to store their medicines and vaccines.
As a logistician,José says it’s frustrating to spend
hours coordinating and preparing for a convoy and
to learn a few hours later that everything is cancelled
or postponed due to the constantly changing
security environment. But he remains motivated
and focussed.
«What drives my work?» It is the feeling that
through our efforts we contribute to improving the
current situation, saving lives and assisting those in
need.» José also stresses how important it is to be
connected to Geneva through the SHOC room. «You
know you can count on the team 24 hours/ 7 days a
week. You can expect to get answers to your questions
quickly.» He also praises the excellent collaboration
with WHO offices in Damascus and Amman.
«You cannot dream of more in terms of back-up and
support,» he said. «The same thing applies to
EMRO. They are there, responsive and present.»
«The Lebanese crisis is quite different from the
ones I have worked on in the past. Lebanon has a
good network and is well organized. It has a sophisticated
infrastructure, though it has suffered a lot of
damage. The health sector includes highly trained,
professional people. They are mobilized and committed
to get things done.»
«They do need assistance to deliver relief aid. Our
lorries are well-marked with our flags and we can
sometimes have access to places where they can’t.»
This week, José and his colleagues are organizing
a convoy to Baalbek and Hermel (centre and
north of the Bekaa Valley). «These are places with
major needs, especially for the people who are
internally displaced. It is our responsibility to help
them have access to health services and supplies.»
© 2006 UN Special |