{"id":10077,"date":"2026-04-06T00:16:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T00:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=10077"},"modified":"2026-04-06T00:16:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T00:16:53","slug":"lebanons-health-system-under-strain-as-conflict-intensifies-who-warns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=10077","title":{"rendered":"Lebanon\u2019s Health System Under Strain as Conflict Intensifies, WHO Warns.\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Lebanon\u2019s Health System Under Strain as Conflict Intensifies, WHO Warns.<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lebanon:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lebanon\u2019s already fragile health system is continuing to operate under mounting pressure from ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and repeated attacks on healthcare facilities. However, global health authorities warn that without urgent international support, access to essential medical services could soon deteriorate significantly.<\/p>\n

During a three-day visit to Lebanon, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme, reaffirmed the agency\u2019s commitment to supporting the country\u2019s emergency health response.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was deeply moved by the resilience of the displaced families I met, and by the unwavering commitment of frontline workers and partners,\u201d said Dr Ihekweazu. \u201cTheir dedication has kept the health system functioning for now, but it is unclear how long it can withstand repeated shocks as the conflict continues.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising Pressure on Health Services<\/h4>\n

The ongoing crisis has placed immense strain on hospitals and healthcare providers. At Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the largest public hospital in the country, emergency admissions have surged dramatically\u2014tripling in recent weeks\u2014following the closure of several hospitals in Beirut\u2019s southern suburbs.<\/p>\n

Healthcare infrastructure is also increasingly under threat. Since 2 March 2026, at least 92 attacks on healthcare facilities, ambulances, and personnel have been reported, resulting in 137 injuries and 53 deaths. These attacks have disrupted essential services and further weakened the system\u2019s ability to respond.<\/p>\n

\u201cInternational humanitarian law is clear: healthcare must not be targeted,\u201d Dr Ihekweazu emphasized. \u201cHealth workers, patients, transport, and facilities must be protected.\u201d<\/p>\n

WHO Steps Up Emergency Response<\/h4>\n

In response to the growing crisis, WHO is scaling up its support to national authorities. Efforts include delivering critical medical supplies, training healthcare workers, supporting the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, and coordinating with humanitarian partners.<\/p>\n

On 1 April, a convoy of four trucks delivered trauma surgery kits and specialized medicines capable of supporting up to 50,000 patients, including 40,000 surgical procedures\u2014an essential boost to overstretched hospitals.<\/p>\n

Dr Ihekweazu also met with senior government officials, United Nations representatives, frontline health workers, and displaced families to assess urgent needs and identify priority areas for intervention.<\/p>\n

Displacement Deepens Health Risks<\/h4>\n

The humanitarian situation is further complicated by large-scale displacement. Many families are now living in overcrowded shelters, where access to clean water, food, and healthcare is limited.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe message I heard from every displaced person was that they wanted to go home,\u201d Dr Ihekweazu said. \u201cLiving in shelters exposes people to serious health risks. Strengthening disease surveillance in these settings is critical to detect outbreaks early and prevent their spread.\u201d<\/p>\n

WHO is working closely with local authorities to maintain essential services in these shelters, particularly focusing on early detection of infectious diseases.<\/p>\n

Urgent Need for Funding<\/h4>\n

The crisis has prompted WHO to launch a $30 million regional Flash Appeal on 2 April, with $10 million earmarked specifically for Lebanon to address urgent health needs over the next six months.<\/p>\n

According to Dr Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO\u2019s representative in Lebanon, past investments in preparedness have helped sustain the system so far\u2014but the situation is rapidly worsening.<\/p>\n

\u201cSustained international support is critical to ensure continuity of care, especially for the most vulnerable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

A Call for Protection and Peace<\/h4>\n

While humanitarian efforts continue, WHO stressed that long-term stability depends on protecting healthcare systems and achieving peace.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people of Lebanon need peace,\u201d Dr Ihekweazu concluded. \u201cAll parties must work towards a resolution and ensure that lives\u2014and the systems that sustain them\u2014are safeguarded.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the crisis unfolds, the resilience of Lebanon\u2019s health system remains evident\u2014but without immediate global support, that resilience may soon be tested beyond its limits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lebanon\u2019s Health System Under Strain as Conflict Intensifies, WHO Warns.   Lebanon:   Lebanon\u2019s already fragile health system is continuing to operate under mounting pressure […]<\/p>\n

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