Under the patronage and presence of the Minister of Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, and in cooperation with the Ministries of Health and Education, the Lebanese University (LU) launched on 2 March 2020 the student volunteer work to face coronavirus, in the Rafik Hariri University City, Hadath - Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS).

The campaign was launched in the presence of LU President, Prof. Fouad Ayoub, the deans of LU medical faculties and a group of professors, specialists and large number of students.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Hassan saluted LU students, who gave an example by their national belonging to the Lebanese family facing coronavirus. He considered that the containment stage is very important and stressed that the compulsory home self-quarantine is key to confrontation.

Prof. Ayoub appreciated the national responsibility and exemplary education demonstrated by LU students amid this crisis. He stated that this campaign aims to "train the trainers" who will have a major role at the national and the LU levels, provided that their efforts complement the "Corona Unit" at the Rafik Hariri University Hospital. He explained that the training process will consist of surface disinfection at all LU faculties and branches and rehabilitation to address any suspected cases.

Prof. Ayoub revealed that WHO Representative to Lebanon, Dr. Iman Shankiti, praised the work of the "Corona Unit" and hoped for more students with medical knowledge to volunteer in the Hospital’s Call Center Department to respond to people’s inquiries.

FMS Dean, Prof. Boutros Yared considered that what the LU is offering today is not surprising, but rather an evidence of its involvement and responsibility towards its society facing the most difficult circumstances.

Dr. Pierre Abi Hanna, professor at the FMS (Microbiological Diseases) updated the attendance to the current status at the Rafik Hariri University Hospital.

Dr. Roula Atwi, Head of the Department of Microbial Diseases at the FMS provided the volunteer student group with basic information about the coronavirus, and Dr. Elie Hadchiti, Head of the LU University Medical Center, provided them with a set of educational guidance to assist them in their work.