In early October 2024, Israel’s escalating strikes in Beirut forced many health and community service centers to make significant changes in their modus operandi to ensure both employee safety and continued support for the community. In a time when accessible healthcare is a challenge, Marsa Sexual Health Center, a pioneer organization advocating for inclusive and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health in Lebanon, was among those affected. I spoke with Sara Abu Zaki, Executive Director of Marsa, to understand how the escalation has impacted the center’s operations, which are crucial for marginalized groups in Lebanon.
Initial Response to Danger
Located in proximity of the Beirut southern suburbs, Marsa initially closed its offices at the start of the escalation. The proximity to affected areas and the uncertainty surrounding the air strikes led many staff members to be displaced outside of Beirut. This reality necessitated an immediate response from Marsa to address operational challenges while prioritizing the safety of staff and the community it serves, particularly vulnerable groups.
“Marsa could not simply close down,” says Abu Zaki, explaining the difficult decision the center faced. Marsa is one of the few NGO’s that provide a wide range of services at subsidized rates, notably voluntary counseling and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as medical consultations and treatments for STI-related symptoms.
The center also offers pap smears for cervical cancer detection and psychological services for individuals exploring sexuality, people living with HIV, and diverse couples. Additionally, Marsa organizes educational sessions on topics like sexually transmitted infection prevention, consent, and best practices for healthcare providers, alongside dietetic counseling for people living with HIV.
These services are especially vital for marginalized groups who may feel unsafe seeking these exams in traditional hospitals or other labs. Therefore, the team collectively decided to reopen during the week of October 7th, on a half-day schedule while closely monitoring the situation. This modified schedule allows the center to continue serving the community with reduced risk to both staff and service users. Staff presence remains voluntary, and Marsa has provided transportation assistance and internet bundles for those working remotely.
Despite these challenges, Marsa is committed to meeting the high demand for core services like voluntary testing, which requires in-person attendance for accurate and secure results. Meanwhile, essential consultations and psychosocial counseling are conducted online, shares Abu Zaki.
Expanding Community Outreach
In addition to providing healthcare services, the center leads on several community projects. Since the escalation, Marsa has been constantly meeting with donors to reallocate funds, allowing for adjustments in ongoing initiatives. They have engaged with local partners and allies to assess needs on the ground, particularly hygiene and menstrual products. With the heightened risks associated with crowding and insecurity, Marsa is expanding its educational and awareness sessions that cover essential topics such as hygiene, prevention of sexual violence, and information on prevention and treatment of reproductive health disorders and oral infections.
While these initiatives are crucial, Abu Zaki is aware of the overall poor readiness of Lebanon’s national health system, which faces significant barriers in handling a potential public health crisis. She emphasizes that the essential role of non-profits and community organizations in bridging gaps in emergency response and healthcare accessibility is not enough and requires direct state intervention.
Charbel Chaaya
Charbel Chaaya earned his bachelor’s degree in French and Lebanese Law, followed by a master’s 1 in Public Law from Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth. He then obtained a master’s 2 in Constitutional Law and Fundamental Rights from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. He is a trainee lawyer, a senior research assistant at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB, and a program manager at the Arab Association of Constitutional Law.