Mr. Munib Rabih Masri, Partnerships and Collaboration Manager at the Munib & Angela Masri Foundation, delivered a keynote speech on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Fourth Annual Geriatric Skills Enhancement in Primary Care (GEM) workshop hosted and organized by the American University of Beirut.
The workshop, which was held this year under the title "Navigating Neurological Challenges in Older Adults: Empowering Primary Care," addressed the mechanisms for dealing with neurological challenges faced by people with neurological disorders especially the elderly. Primary care methods to help individuals cope with neurological conditions and other life challenges were also discussed.
Mr. Masri delivered a presentation through which he shared his personal and inspiring experience of dealing with this type of injury, which he suffered after being wounded by the Israeli occupation forces on May 5, 2011, during a student demonstration against the Israeli occupation on the anniversary of the Nakba at the Lebanese border. The injury affected his spinal cord, leading to the loss of the ability to walk and move.
Through his presentation, he highlighted the various stages of treatment he underwent and the difficulties and challenges he still faces due to the injury. He illustrated how "life's challenges can be a catalyst for positive change" and emphasized the interconnectedness and similarities between his experience and the challenges faced by those with neurological disorders and disabilities. He underlined the importance of understanding the psychological and emotional needs of patients and promoting compassionate care methods to enable healthcare providers to look after patients in the best possible way.
During the question-and-answer session, Mr. Masri emphasized the importance of focusing on more scientific research and knowledge transfer in this field and the need to provide advanced care for patients in the Arab region. He commended the efforts of the American University of Beirut in highlighting this type of injury and pledged the ongoing support of the Munib &Angela Masri Foundation for work in this field.
The Munib & Angela Masri Foundation is an independent, non-profit institution established in 1970 and works in various fields of development, including education, health, scientific research, culture, and economic empowerment. The Masri Foundation also works in partnership with various institutions across Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan.