WHO Reaffirms Support for Lebanon Health System Amid Crisis

Lebanon’s health system continues to function despite the mounting pressures of conflict, displacement, and repeated attacks on health care. However, without urgent action and sustained international support, access to essential health services is increasingly at risk.

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, has concluded a three-day visit to Lebanon, reaffirming WHO’s support for the national health emergency response.

"I was deeply moved by the resilience of the displaced families I met, and by the unwavering commitment of frontline workers and partners, including WHO colleagues,” said Dr. Ihekweazu. “Their dedication, combined with investments in preparedness, has kept the health system functioning for now, but it is unclear how long it can withstand the repeated shocks as the conflict continues.”

Dr. Ihekweazu met with national authorities, including the Prime Minister and the Health Minister, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, as well as other partners, displaced individuals, and frontline health workers to gather insights from their experiences and identify key areas where the WHO can provide ongoing support.

In support of the national response, WHO is delivering medical supplies, training health workers, supporting the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, and coordinating the health response with partners, building on its experience with emergencies in the country. The latest delivery of supplies arrived in a convoy of four trucks on April 1, carrying trauma emergency surgery supplies and specialized medicines, sufficient to support 50,000 patients, including 40,000 surgical interventions.

Attacks on health care are affecting health facilities, ambulances, and health workers, disrupting essential services. Since March 2, 2026, 92 attacks on health care have been reported in Lebanon, resulting in 137 injuries and 53 deaths.

"International humanitarian law is clear: health care must not be targeted and should be actively protected," said Dr. Ihekweazu. "This includes health workers, patients, transport, and facilities."

At Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the largest public hospital in Lebanon, hospital management reported a significant increase in demand following the closure of hospitals in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Emergency admissions have tripled.

During a visit to a collective shelter housing displaced families, Dr. Ihekweazu observed the effects of displacement on health and well-being.

“The message I heard from every displaced person, without exception, was that they wanted to go home. As any of us would,” said Dr. Ihekweazu. “People living in shelters can face many health challenges, such as poor access to safe water, food, and health services. We work with local officials to ensure these essential services remain available. A key area is making sure the disease surveillance system in shelters detects illnesses quickly, to ensure people receive care and reduce the spread.”

"WHO has been working closely with the Ministry of Public Health and partners for years. This work is paying off in how resilient the health system has been so far,” said Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO Representative in Lebanon. “However, the current humanitarian needs are increasing, and sustained international support is critical to ensure continuity of care, especially for the most vulnerable.”

On 2 April, the WHO launched a Flash Appeal for US$ 30 million needed over the next six months to address urgent health needs in the five most affected countries in the Region, including US$ 10 million allocated for Lebanon.

WHO will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Public Health and partners to ensure equitable and inclusive access to essential health services for all, but further funding is needed to make this happen. Ultimately, peace is what the people of Lebanon and the wider region need. WHO urges all parties to work towards a resolution and to safeguard lives.