Syrian American Medical Society
Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) received a grant from the seventh round of CDP’s COVID-19 Response Fund grantmaking to address the needs of Syrian refugees in Greece and Lebanon related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Lebanon, SAMS distributed hygiene kits in the Beka’a Valley to assist refugees with personal protection and household sanitization. These items, including face masks, hand sanitizers and sanitation supplies, are critical for refugees in Lebanon whose livelihoods have been further challenged by the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
SAMS is also providing training and support to peer educators who conduct hygiene promotion and awareness sessions for refugees living in informal settlements in the Beka’a Valley.
In Greece, SAMS has been providing primary and specialized care –including pediatrics and reproductive health – to refugees and migrants. In addition to supporting a clinic in Athens, SAMS provides services in five refugee camps. Over the past couple of months, they’ve delivered care to more than 540 patients, including over 360 children. Some of the patients hadn’t seen a doctor in over a year due to lack of transit and the pandemic.
SAMS’ program in Greece has been particularly well-received by local officials and NGOs, and they are considering expanding it in 2021 to include more services and reach more underserved populations.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is proud to support SAMS’ efforts to ensure that refugees receive the personal protection and medical care that they need and deserve.