The smallest camp in Lebanon, Mar Elias was founded in 1952 by the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox convent to accommodate Palestine refugees from the Galilee in northern Palestine. It is located southwest of Beirut.
Most of the men in the camp work as casual labourers or for small businesses, such as grocery stores or car maintenance workshops. Some women work in sewing factories or as cleaners.
There is a high incidence of chronic disease in this camp, with many refugees suffering from hypertension, cancer and diabetes.
The infrastructure needs comprehensive rehabilitation.
Statistics
- Around 600 registered refugees
- One school
- One health centre
- Demographic profile:
Programmes in the camp
Major problems
- Unemployment
- High chronic disease levels
- High take-up of social safety net
- Infrastructure needs refurbishment
InterTech 
