Vietnam-based charity donates 10,000 masks and gloves to hospital in Beirut

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At the hand-over ceremony on August 19 in Ho Chi Minh city. Source: AIP Foundation

Accordingly, Protec is a social enterprise established by AIP Foundation producing ethically-sourced helmets and face masks. Protec has a factory in Vinh Phuc province and and an extensive distribution network all across the country.

Doctors and hospitals ảound the globe are scrambling to find several key items to help them fight the COVID-19 outbreak. With masks, gloves and hand sanitize running low, Protec recently added COVID-19 face mask production in its factory for humanitarian assistance.

Hard-hit hospitals in Beirut are also suffering from medical supply shortages, especially basics such as masks, protective gowns, hats, booties, and gloves.

The total number of people infected with the disease has jumped since the first case was discovered in Lebanon on February 21 to 9,758. There have been 107 deaths as of August 18, said the country's Ministry of Health.

Lebanon’s medical services also reported dozens of COVID-19 cases among healthcare staff and hospital employees. According to Ministry of Health data there are more than 407 infections among medical personnel.

Many hospitals are facing a shortage of doctors and nurses, while healthy doctors and nurses are trying to compensate for those who are absent because of quarantine.

Moreover, more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in one of the port’s warehouses earlier this month. It destroyed homes and businesses, killed at least 170 people and injured at least 6,000, many critically.

The explosion and after-effects of ammonium nitrate are extremely dangerous because of the chemical effects on lungs and respiratory systems, seriously affecting infants and children. The latest figures report more than 300,000 homeless, vulnerable to chemical after-affects from living outdoors.

Ammonium nitrate inhalation causes high concentrations of chemical dust that can cause respiratory tract irritation. Symptoms include coughing, sore throat, breathing difficulty, even suffocation. In high concentrations, ammonium nitrate can cause headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, psychological complications, heart and circulation irregularities, convulsions, and collapse.

It also forms an acid when mixed with water, which can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin. This will be an ongoing serious public health crisis for the people and children of Beirut, which masks can help mitigate.

AIP Foundation’s social enterprise, Protec, a helmet maker, recently added COVID-19 mask production in its factory for humanitarian assistance.

AIP Foundation and Protec are appealing for support and contributions of masks and gloves at other hospitals in Beirut.

“We are grateful for assistance from the Government of Vietnam, the Embassy of Lebanon, and even private Vietnamese citizens for their support," said AIP Foundation President Greig Craft at the hand-over ceremony on August 19 in Ho Chi Minh city.

“This is no time for politics, religion, nor ethnic issues. Support and assistance are urgently needed,” he continued.

Hon. Consul of Lebanon in Vietnam, Adib Kouteili said, "The main port of Beirut has been destroyed. Hospital operations have been partly demolished and operations severely disrupted. We are very happy and thankful to AIP Foundation and Protec for their extraordinary efforts and rapid aid response to support the people of Beirut.”

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