Every Mother Deserves Peace of Mind

When Ranim learned she was pregnant, her first feeling was not excitement, it was worry. At 43 years old, the Lebanese mother knew how important regular antenatal check-ups were for both her health and her baby’s. But after years of economic hardship in Lebanon, she wasn’t sure how she would afford the care she needed.

Like many families across the country, Ranim has watched the cost of healthcare rise beyond reach. Doctor’s consultations, treatments, and medicines have become increasingly expensive, forcing many households to make difficult choices between healthcare and other basic needs.

“Accessing healthcare in Lebanon has become a luxury,” she said. Before the economic crisis, Ranim could turn to private doctors when she needed medical care. Today, that option is no longer within reach. “I used to rely on private doctors, but now the cost of consultations and services is simply more than I can afford,” she explained.

Finding care close to home

When members of her community recommended a nearby healthcare centre, Ranim was hesitant. She wasn’t sure whether the centre could provide the care she needed during her pregnancy. Encouraged by others, she decided to give it a chance. The experience quickly changed her perception.

“I heard about this primary centre through people in my community and decided to give it a try. Since then, I have been very satisfied with the care I have received.”

Today, Ranim regularly visits the centre for antenatal check-ups and follow-up consultations.

“The staff are supportive, attentive, and always take the time to listen to my concerns and respond to my needs. The community midwife has been especially helpful throughout my pregnancy, providing guidance, reassurance, and follow-up care whenever I needed it.”

For women, regular maternal healthcare is essential for ensuring healthy pregnancies and identifying potential complications early. Yet financial barriers in Lebanon continue to prevent many vulnerable families from accessing the care they need.

With the support of the Government of the Principality of Monaco, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Medair is helping healthcare centres improve access to affordable healthcare services for vulnerable Lebanese communities, refugees, and others affected by Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis.

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Restoring peace of mind

Beyond consultations, the support available through the centre has eased some of the financial burden that comes with pregnancy. “What has made a real difference for me is that the centre not only provides affordable, quality healthcare services, but also free medications when needed,” Ranim said. “At a time when many families are struggling to meet even their basic needs, this support allows me to focus on my health and my baby’s well-being instead of constantly worrying about the cost.”

For Ranim, the greatest impact has been the reassurance of knowing she can continue receiving the care she needs throughout her pregnancy. “Centres like this one are giving people like me access to quality healthcare that would otherwise be out of reach. Knowing that I can receive the care and treatment I need during my pregnancy without constantly worrying about the cost has brought me comfort and peace of mind.”

As Ranim prepares to welcome her baby, she can focus on what matters most, her health and giving her child the best possible start in life. For families across Lebanon, access to affordable healthcare means more than medical consultations and medicines. It provides reassurance during uncertain times, protects the health of mothers and newborns, and restores hope for a healthier future.

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Medair's work in Lebanon is possible with funding from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund/OCHA, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Department of State – United States, Swiss Development Cooperation through Interaction-CH , German Federal Foreign Office, Government of the Principality of Monaco, Métropole de Grenoble, and generous private donors.

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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