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The 24 europallets of electromedical and medical equipment have arrived at their destination in Beirut: they will be distributed to Lebanese hospitals and medical laboratories through the Beirut Vicariate of the Latins with the cooperation of the Italian Contingent stationed in Lebanon.
Some of the material is also destined for Syrian health facilities, particularly the Italian hospital in Damascus.

The legal representative in Lebanon of the John Paul II Foundation Monsignor Cèsar Essayan and project leader for Lebanon Stefano Baldini handed over the materials in an official ceremony in the presence of Lebanese diplomatic, military and government authorities. Also present, among others, were Alessandra Piermattei of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency and Italian Embassy Beirut counselor Silvia Tosi.

The diagnostic and medical tools are largely earmarked for one of the international programs of the John Paul II Foundation, which has long supported Lebanon by sending medicines and medical supplies-in collaboration with the Focolare Movement-that are often lifesavers for the population.

The precious cargo is a gift that Esaote (one of the world leaders in medical diagnostic systems, specifically, ultrasound, dedicated MRI, and Medical IT systems) with headquarters in Genoa and Florence, made to the John Paul II Foundation, which is based in Tuscany.
For the past several months, while waiting for the political situation in Lebanon to allow it to be sent safely, the equipment has been stored in the port of Livorno by Savino Del Bene, an Italian multinational company specializing in shipping and logistics.

Thanks to a key agreement with the Ministry of Defense, which provided transportation and logistics, the material arrived at its destination by special flight of the 14th Air Force Wing from Pratica di Mare.

"Such an intervention," Stefano Baldini said during the ceremony, "is possible only to a large number of actors involved, all united by one great purpose. From Sistema Italia to the international network of the John Paul II Foundation to Esaote and Savino Del Bene, from the Ministry of Defense to the Air Force, from the Beirut Vicariate of the Latins to local organizations, all together we have succeeded in an operation that is totally based on voluntary contribution and that improves in the long term the quality of life and care of the Lebanese and Syrian community."

Great gratitude from the facilities that are receiving the medical equipment and medical supplies, as emphasized by Sister Nicolas Akiki, head of the Beirut Rosary Sisters Hospital: "Your gesture of solidarity is a light of hope for the poor and needy who rely on our care every day. Your support is a concrete testimony of love and care for those who suffer, and for this we are infinitely grateful."

Information: www.fondazionegiovannipaolo.org

Florence, March 19, 2025

John Paul II Foundation Press Office:
Manuela Plastina - journalist
comunicazione@fondazionegiovannipaolo.org