This report covers the period 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2014.
Overview
The Lebanese Red Cross Society (LRCS) is striving to consolidate and scale up its services, including emergency medical services, following the increasing influx of refugees from Syria during the reporting period with the current estimate reaching almost 1.5 million refugees. The LRCS is stepping up to respond to the increasing humanitarian needs by providing vital support to the most vulnerable including the increasing number of Syrian refugees. In addition to expanding the scope of existing services to accommodate the increasing needs, the Society has also started to take on other actions including distribution of food, WASH and other supplies and services to the refugees. While the emergency medical service (EMS) represents a flagship programme covering up to 70% of the call for ambulances, the Society also plays an increasing role in other medical and social services including blood services which covers more than 50 per cent of the needs. The volunteers play a critical role in the planning and management of the humanitarian and social services the Society provides in the different areas of engagement. The Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) is making comprehensive efforts to facilitate the implementation of its strategic framework covering the period of operation between 2014-2018 while it is also stepping up its emergency response due to the recent influx of the Syrian refugees. With 2014 representing the transition phase, steady progress is being made preparing the ground for a full scale roll out of the strategy at the beginning of 2015.