Global literature reviews and gaps assessments carried out by Red Cross Red Crescent partners and LSHTM (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) in 2020 resulted in the design, funding, and initiation of a non-communicable diseases (NCDs) care project implemented together with Lebanon Red Cross. 

NCD patient education material and peer-support group approaches were implemented and monitored for evidence generating. The NCD approach in Lebanon is also linked to a long-term strategic partnership for strengthening of hypertension and diabetes prevention and care in Lebanon initiated with World Diabetes Foundation, Ministry of Public Health, and Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The partners have adapted educational material for NCD patients to suit the local contexts and developed a methodology for a Peer-to-Peer patient education and support approach. They are currently working with scientific partners to document the impact of a strengthened self-care patient approach. The Lebanese Red Cross has designed interventions building on their volunteer resources for both NCD prevention communication, early detection and diagnosis, establishment of self-care support groups, as well as support through the 36 Primary Health Care centres they run.

In one year more than 2,000 people have been reached to raise their awareness and sensitise them to NCD risks, healthy lifestyle, and well-being approaches. Additionally, more than 2,100 people have been reached through screening campaigns conducted twice per month in all of the project’s health facilities. Several research articles have been published or are under peer-review. Furthermore, round tables/advocacy meeting have been held with national decision-makers and a case study is produced and shared with global stakeholders.