The Maternal and Neonatal Care in Beirut project is part of the Shabake 2 Project, implemented in partnership with Expertise France. The aim of the project is to improve the maternal safety of 145 pregnant women throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period by (1) ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage and (2) increasing awareness and knowledge. This marks the first collaboration between Al Makassed and Expertise France.
The project is being implemented at the Horj and Bachoura Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in addition to Makassed General Hospital (MGH). Its duration is 12 months, with an expected end date of April 15, 2025. The project budget is 200,000 USD.
The project follows the Mother and Child Protocol, which emphasizes the provision of pre- and post-natal care services, as summarized below:
- Eight antenatal care services
- Two ultrasounds during pregnancy
- One postnatal visit
- Laboratory tests package
- Vaccination for newborns (according to the National Vaccination Calendar – Hepatitis B)
- Health education for the pregnant woman
- Safe delivery
Project Impact: A key component of the project is the development and implementation of a robust referral system connecting primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) with tertiary healthcare facilities, such as Makassed General Hospital, as emphasized by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Lebanon. This system ensures a smooth transition and continuity of care for patients requiring specialized medical interventions. The project also broke socio-economic barriers, making maternal care more accessible to vulnerable individuals.
Project Statistics: The patient satisfaction questionnaire, assessing beneficiary perceptions and attitudes toward all services offered and the ease of access to primary healthcare centers, shows a satisfaction rate of 90% among program beneficiaries. Additionally, the knowledge levels among beneficiaries have increased by 75% so far as a result of the awareness sessions provided.
Additionally, the statistics and impact sections make the project’s achievements more visible for search engines.
