The University of Balamand (UOB) is delighted to announce that Dr. Mira El Chaar from the Faculty of Health Sciences has been awarded a research grant from Roche Diagnostics to support her vital research on the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in Lebanon. This funding comes at a crucial time, as there has been a global increase in HEV incidence, yet the serological and molecular prevalence of this virus among Lebanese blood donors has remained largely unexplored.

Hepatitis E is a significant public health concern, particularly due to the potential for transmission through contaminated blood products. Evaluating the presence of HEV in blood donors is essential to safeguarding vulnerable populations and preventing infections that could arise from blood transfusions. Dr. El Chaar’s study aims to fill this knowledge gap and provide critical data that could inform the development of HEV screening protocols in Lebanese blood banks.

The implications of this research are profound. By identifying the prevalence of HEV among blood donors, Dr. El Chaar's work could lead to improved safety measures in blood transfusion practices, ultimately reducing the risk of HEV transmission in the community. Such advancements are vital for protecting public health and ensuring that blood products are safe for all recipients. ​