SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 29 March 2024, Friday |

Hôtel-Dieu De France” and “Fondation Diane” sign an MoU to establish a “social pediatric clinic” for underprivileged children

As a response to the disastrous aftermaths of Beirut explosion and to take part in the national efforts to overcome its detrimental effects, as well as the economic meltdown and the multidimensional crises the country is witnessing, “Fondation Diane” and “Hôtel-Dieu de France” signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Social Pediatric Clinic especially for the underprivileged children.

The MOU signing took place at the Hospital, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors the Rev. Professor Salim Daccache s.j., as well as the Founder and President of “Fondation Diane” Mrs. Diana Fadel, accompanied by their teams.

The importance of this initiative lies in its timing: in light of the skyrocketing cost of quality medical care on one hand, and the undermined and weakened healthcare sector in Lebanon on the other hand, all at a time of the pandemic widespread and the mass migration of doctors and nurses. This initiative also comes to fill a huge void occurred in the absence of social clinics dedicated exclusively to the care of children from birth to adulthood in Lebanon. To this end, this clinic aims to be a pillar center of social pediatrics providing underprivileged children with medicinal care, physical health and psychosocial services, at no cost, with a nominal registration fee.

This initiative falls under the framework of the Corporate Social Responsibility that is common to “Hôtel-Dieu de France” and “Fondation Diane”, especially that Fondation Diane’s core mission is the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while ensuring herewith “Good Health and Well-Being” (SDG3) and fostering “Reduced Inequalities” (SDG10).

Diana Fadel,

In her speech, Mrs. Fadel highlighted Fondation Diane’s commitment to supporting the community through giving access to quality healthcare to all children living in Lebanon, and eliminating disparities and inequalities.

Mrs. Fadel mentioned the role of the French/Lebanese Director of Theatre Poche Ruelle in Mulhouse/France: Jean Marie Mechaka in the financial kick-off of that initiative.

She said: “Eversince Beirut blast, I have been thinking of a sustainable contribution to the community through a long-term humanitarian initiative… a project that meets people’s most fundamental needs. Many are the initiatives that aim at providing food, clothing, and reconstruction; so I decided to focus on health.”

She continued: “Healthy children are most likely to grow into healthy adults, and constitute a healthy society. The health problems of children should be closely monitored. If they are not diagnosed and treated in time, they can affect their physical, cognitive, behavioral or emotional development. Therefore, it is essential to identify them at a very early stage.

Fadel concluded: “I believe in the success of this project. This is what you expect when you put your hand in the hand of a faithful and professional health institution! Thank you Hôtel-Dieu team for your dedication and efforts, and good luck to our children in Lebanon. The teamwork between our two entities will soon create the new specialized “Social Pediatric Clinic” that will be a refuge to a great number of families in Lebanon, with no racial or social discrimination.

Father Daccache

In his intervention, Father Daccache confirmed that: “The CSR aspect of this initiative is what gives it its core value. After all, every child has the right to have access to quality health care, as well as quality education.”

He added: “The economic crisis has put its toll on our country, which is threatening not only children’s education and nutrition, but also their health. To this end, families suffering from financial hardships will be able to have access to this most basic need.”

He continued: “I would like to thank “Fondation Diane” who initiated this project and established the plan, and I appreciate the insistence and perseverance of Mrs. Fadel on making it a success, and for spreading awareness. I am proud of our collaboration and joint efforts that are for the benefit of every child in need.

At last, Father Daccache concluded: “Today we affirm our commitment to this project, and we seek to open the Social Pediatric Clinic in the near future, God willing.

    Source:
  • NNA