The WHO reports alarming attacks on health care in Lebanon

Since the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon on September 17, 2024, WHO has confirmed 23 attacks on healthcare in Lebanon, resulting in 72 deaths and 43 injuries among healthcare workers and patients. Fifteen incidents involved health facilities and 13 involved health transport. Hospitals in Lebanon are already under enormous strain as they struggle to maintain basic health care while dealing with an unprecedented influx of injured people. The health system is understaffed and does not have sufficient resources. It is struggling to maintain uninterrupted supplies to all those in need as supplies run out and health workers are exhausted.

Increasing conflict, heavy bombing and insecurity are forcing more and more health facilities to close, especially in the south. Of 207 primary health centers and pharmacies in conflict areas, 100 are now closed. Hospitals were forced to close or evacuate due to structural damage or proximity to areas of intense bombardment. To date, five hospitals have been evacuated and another five partially evacuated, with critical cancer and dialysis patients referred to other hospitals also overwhelmed by increasing healthcare needs. Dialysis centers must operate three additional shifts to accommodate referred patients but lack the resources for the necessary blood testing supplies and staff.

The situation in Lebanon is alarming. Attacks on the healthcare system weaken healthcare systems and impair their performance. They also prevent entire communities from accessing health services when they need them most. WHO is working tirelessly with the Ministry of Health in Lebanon to close critical gaps and support the continuity of essential health services, but what the people of Lebanon need most is an immediate ceasefire.”

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean

In response to growing needs, WHO is supporting the delivery of essential supplies. On October 4 and 5, four flights carrying medical supplies for trauma treatment, cholera prevention and mental health treatment arrived in Beirut from the WHO logistics center in Dubai. The supplies currently being distributed to priority hospitals in coordination with the Ministry of Health are enough to treat around 100,000 patients. WHO is working to provide additional supplies.

WHO continues to coordinate with the Lebanese Red Cross and hospitals to provide blood banks with sufficient supplies, including testing materials, to support safe blood donation. War trauma surgery training for surgeons across multiple disciplines also strengthens surgical trauma capabilities, including lifelong limb saving skills. WHO is also working with the Lebanese Ministry of Health to establish trauma centers in existing referral hospitals and plan the deployment of emergency medical teams.

WHO continues to support the Ministry’s Epidemiological Surveillance Unit to expand community-based surveillance of priority diseases in shelters housing displaced persons, particularly acute watery diarrhea, respiratory infections and other communicable diseases. WHO is also committed to ensuring that shelters are linked to primary health centers to support the continuation of health services and the delivery of essential medicines.

The WHO calls for an end to the attacks on the healthcare system. Healthcare should be protected at all times. Peace is the only solution.