On 24 September 2026, the University Medical Center (UMC) at the Lebanese University organised an awareness campaign on chronic diseases at the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Rafic Hariri University Campus in Hadath, as part of the CAREMED – Community-based Approach for Resilient Mediterranean Health project, funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. The event was also attended by ICU – Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria, a CAREMED project partner.

The campaign brought together 135 students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Public Health and focused on diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension, with the aim of promoting prevention, early detection and greater awareness of chronic disease management.The event opened with a presentation on CAREMED, introducing the project’s objectives and its community-based approach, centred on prevention and early detection, patient empowerment and improved continuity and coordination of care.

In Lebanon, CAREMED focuses on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and COPD and operates through the University Medical Center at the Lebanese University, in collaboration with nine affiliated primary health care centres. The project promotes prevention and early detection, patient education and self-care, coordinated patient follow-up, and training and capacity building for health sector workers. During the three sessions, educational and awareness-raising videos produced by the Ministry of Public Health and the WHO Lebanon Office were also screened, addressing chronic disease prevention and health awareness.

The campaign concluded with an interactive session featuring patient stories and case discussions. Three patients shared their personal experiences of living with the diseases addressed during the campaign, including their journeys through diagnosis and treatment and the importance of ongoing medical follow-up. Their experiences provided participants with a direct perspective on the challenges of living with chronic conditions and the role patients can play in managing their own health.

Through awareness activities such as this campaign, CAREMED is promoting prevention, early detection and patient involvement, while strengthening the role of communities and patients as active partners in healthcare in Lebanon.