Beirut, 9 September 2020: Bayer, the German multinational pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Company, has partnered with the Lebanese American University (LAU) to support its LAU Mobile Clinic National Campaign initiative in delivering free polymerise chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 in Lebanon’s remote towns and villages.
Launched in collaboration with LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine and Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, through this initiative, Bayer will support raising awareness on precautionary measures that will help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus while provide free testing to communities.
Samer Al-Faqih, Managing Director of Bayer Levant said, “Bayer is working collectively with key partners to support the government in stemming the tide of this epidemic by raising awareness and identifying cases among communities who may not have access to healthcare. Through our corporate giving initiative, we continue to protect lives in more than 60 countries worldwide through financial assistance and healthcare products. Our partnership with LAU emphasizes our ongoing commitment towards helping communities we serve.”
“As COVID-19 continues to spread worldwide, even the most advanced healthcare systems are facing challenges. We are committed to supporting local communities, especially those who are in physically remote places or cannot afford testing. There has been a signigicant spike in cases following the recent blast at the port. By providing free COVID-19 testing, Bayer is working closely with authorities in ensuring that the positive cases are identified, counselled and taken to appropriate quarantine facilities,” said Marina El Daif, Product Manager, Cardiology, Lebanon, Jordan and Agent Markets at Bayer.
“At LAU, our mission is to support the Lebanese community and precisely during times of exceptional hardship, such as the current the COVID-19 outbreak. The LAU Mobile Clinic has been our resilient weapon to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus, as it has enabled us to reach communities that are sometimes secluded and far away from health centers and testing facilities. I am proud to say that since the inauguration of the LAU Mobile Clinic in March, we completed 42 missions by visiting 154 destinations and performing more than 6,362 PCR tests to populations in need.“ said Dr. Joseph Jabbra, LAU President.
To support the Lebanese community, Bayer also donated 50,000 FFP2-masks to the German Red Cross organization, in addition to providing 10,000 euros in emergency aid under the COVID-19 response program to support an education campaign and the distribution of hygiene products to the population. The masks will be distributed to Lebanese Red Cross humanitarian workers on the ground in Beirut. The total net value of the donation is around 125,000 euros.
With the aim to support the wider community in the Middle East with mitigating the spread of COVID-19, Bayer recently announced an extended partnership with “Sonaa Al-Khair” and its “Hemaya” initiative that provides hygiene support to families in need in Egypt. The initiative was launched under the auspices of the Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and under the supervision of Ministry of Social Solidarity. In Jordan, Bayer aims to support daily laborers most affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The initiative is carried out in partnership with Naua, which is a social impact platform created by the Crown Prince Foundation to promote a culture of philanthropy and civic engagement.