For the third consecutive year, the Associação de Médicos Adventistas (AMA), an Adventist physician organization in Brazil, carried out a humanitarian outreach in Lebanon, partnering with the Winners Project—a charitable organization that supports children and adolescents in the Middle East.

Over 16 days, from April 18 to May 4, 2025, a Brazilian medical team provided care for approximately 2,000 Syrian and Lebanese refugees in Majdal Anjar and surrounding areas, including United Nations (UN) refugee camps.

Comprehensive Medical and Emotional Support

The outreach included free medical consultations and medication distribution, made possible through USD$8,000 (more than 44,000 BRL) in donations. The volunteer team comprised 22 healthcare professionals, including eight physicians and five women, with specialties in gynecology, mastology, vascular neurology, pediatrics, and general medicine. Additional support was provided by psychologists, physiotherapists, a dentist, and a physical education teacher.

Dr. Fabiano Luz, an intensive care physician and president of AMA, noted the importance of increasing the number of female healthcare professionals on the team due to cultural sensitivities.

“When the complaints were of an intimate nature, neither I nor the translator could ask Syrian women the necessary clinical questions. Only a female doctor and translator could do so,” he explained.

This year’s outreach featured a stronger representation of female professionals, particularly to address the gynecological health of Syrian refugee women—an essential consideration given cultural restrictions on male physicians in these contexts.

Coordinated and Mission-Focused Planning

The project was organized by AMA missions leader Dr. Edson Jara, AMA president Dr. Fabiano Luz, and neurovascular physician Dr. Ellen Carvalho.

“Helping with the planning and execution made me admire the coordination of the project even more,” said Dr. Carvalho. “Though challenging, it gave me a deep sense of mission accomplished. Everything—from lodging and meals to work assignments and insurance—was carefully arranged so volunteers could focus on service.”

Identifying Serious Health Issues

Dr. Luz reported alarming public health conditions, noting that approximately 90% of the Lebanese population served by the team are heavy smokers—some consuming up to four packs a day—resulting in widespread respiratory illness and increased risk for cardiac and surgical complications.

The team also treated Syrian patients suffering from untreated trauma, including two individuals with bullets lodged in their bodies.

“They hadn’t been diagnosed because they lacked access to care,” said Luz.

The outreach led to the detection of several serious medical conditions, including uterine and ovarian tumors, breast cancer, and precancerous nodules.

“We diagnosed many diseases that were causing significant suffering,” he added.

One of the most impactful cases involved a two-year-old child, the grandson of a refugee camp leader, who turned blue during excitement. Luz diagnosed a ventricular septal defect and referred the child for surgery.

“The most painful part is knowing this child was born in a hospital in Lebanon, but because he is Syrian and a war refugee, he never received the care he needed,” he said.

Focus on Women’s Health

Gynecologist Dr. Karin Kiefer Martins treated women who presented with irregular bleeding, fatigue, and growth deficiencies.

“Many girls showed signs of malnutrition,” she said. Dr. Martins emphasized the stark contrast with Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). “In Lebanon, healthcare must be paid for—and many simply cannot afford it.”

Dr. Ellen Carvalho, who treated predominantly female patients with neurological needs, added: “My greatest joy was serving the children and women in the refugee camps, who offered us love and gratitude in response to the little we could offer. It was powerful to see professionals giving their best under difficult conditions.”

Psychological and Physiotherapy Services

Psychologist Tatiana Alvarenga de Oliveira, who traveled with her two daughters and son-in-law—both physicians—offered individual counseling. She reported high rates of anxiety and depression and delivered talks to Syrian youth, including students in sports and sewing programs. She also supported translators and fellow volunteers.

“We couldn’t talk about religion; we had to ‘be Jesus’ without saying His name—through service, smiles, and welcome,” she said.

Physiotherapists Vinicius Coelho and Suzely Ferreira provided care in both 2024 and 2025. Suzely focused on women with pain and mobility issues, organizing morning and afternoon Pilates sessions.

“Some patients arrived with severe pain in their hips, knees, and neck. With each class, we saw progress, and their pain began to fade,” she said.

As a result, patients regained the ability to perform daily activities that had once seemed impossible—such as squatting, lifting children, or reaching for objects on a shelf.

A Mission of Compassion

Reflecting on the experience, Luz noted that while he has served in multiple humanitarian contexts—including the Amazon, Africa, India, Peru, and Argentina—working with war refugees was uniquely impactful.

AMA women's team in front of the Blue Mosque, the largest mosque in Beirut, Lebanon.

Photo: Disclosure

Ruins of Balbeck, Lebanon.

Photo: Disclosure

“The Syrian people face a destroyed past, a difficult present, and an uncertain future, living in a country that rejects them and strains under the weight of their needs,” he said. “By God’s grace, we were able to offer some comfort and therapeutic relief. It was a privilege to serve them.”

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.