On August 3rd,  2020, a massive explosion ripped through Beirut’s docks, killing over 150 people and injuring thousands more. It was a disaster which called for an extraordinary response and it was Doctor Myrna Doumit who led the nurses of Lebanon as they stepped up to the challenge – and made sure their contribution was recognised.

These same nurses were on the verge of going on strike. Often unpaid, their working conditions had long been unsafe and unsustainable – and then the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up the crisis. Lebanon’s nurses had won the support of doctors and other health professionals in taking this unprecedented stand for their rights. 

But when the explosion happened the nurses – uniquely resilient after 40 years of war – came out in full force to help the injured and dying. Under Dr Doumit’s strategic leadership, nurses gave their all – sometimes their own blood, sometimes their own lives. Five nurses died and many more were seriously injured while on duty.

Dr Doumit went to every major hospital in Beirut to coordinate the response. Three major hospitals had been destroyed and the remainder were flooded with casualties. Medicines and supplies had been destroyed. Nurses were suturing wounds and providing emergency treatments on the streets. 

In the aftermath of the blast Dr Doumit went on to lead Lebanon’s COVID-19 relief efforts, organising national infection control and prevention measures, including paid leave and hotel accommodation where nurses who were infected could isolate.

At the same time Dr Doumit used media channels to shed light on the huge contribution made by nurses during the pandemic, engaging the people of Lebanon, empowering nurses and raising their voices. Her persistence and passion in creating strategic alliances and speaking up for nurses has not only given them much needed practical and psychological support, it has been a game changer in how nurses are perceived and valued.