Lebanon’s health system remains operational despite escalating conflict, widespread displacement and repeated strikes affecting health care. However, without immediate measures and sustained international backing, access to vital medical services is becoming increasingly fragile.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, has completed a three-day mission to Lebanon, reiterating WHO’s commitment to supporting the country’s health emergency response.

“I was profoundly struck by the resilience of the displaced families I met, as well as the steadfast dedication of frontline workers and partners, including WHO staff,” said Dr Ihekweazu. “Their efforts, together with prior investments in preparedness, have enabled the health system to continue functioning for the time being. Yet it remains uncertain how much longer it can endure the ongoing shocks caused by the conflict.”

During his visit, Dr Ihekweazu met with senior national officials, including the Prime Minister and Minister of Health, as well as the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, partner organizations, displaced communities and frontline health personnel. These discussions focused on understanding current challenges and defining priority areas for WHO’s continued assistance.

To reinforce the national response, WHO is supplying essential medicines and equipment, training health professionals, supporting the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, and coordinating efforts across the health sector based on its long-standing emergency experience in Lebanon. On 1 April, a convoy of four trucks delivered trauma and emergency surgical supplies along with specialized medicines, enough to assist 50 000 patients, including materials for 40 000 surgical procedures.

Ongoing attacks on health care are damaging facilities, ambulances and endangering health workers, severely disrupting essential services. Since 2 March 2026, Lebanon has recorded 92 attacks on health care, leading to 137 injuries and 53 deaths.

“International humanitarian law is unequivocal: health care must never be a target and must be actively protected,” Dr Ihekweazu stressed. “This protection extends to health workers, patients, medical transport and facilities.”

At Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Lebanon’s largest public hospital, administrators reported a dramatic surge in demand after several hospitals in Beirut’s southern suburbs closed. Emergency admissions have tripled, placing immense strain on staff and resources.

While visiting a collective shelter housing displaced families, Dr Ihekweazu observed firsthand how displacement is affecting people’s health and overall well-being.

“Every displaced person I spoke to expressed the same wish: to return home. It is a deeply human aspiration,” he said. “Living in shelters often brings serious health risks, including limited access to safe water, adequate food and medical care. We are working with local authorities to keep these essential services available. Strengthening disease surveillance in shelters is especially critical to ensure illnesses are detected early, treated promptly and prevented from spreading.”

“WHO has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Public Health and partners for many years. That sustained cooperation has strengthened the resilience of Lebanon’s health system,” said Dr Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO Representative in Lebanon. “Nevertheless, humanitarian needs are growing, and continued international support is indispensable to maintain services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.”

On 2 April, WHO issued a Flash Appeal seeking US$ 30 million for the next six months to respond to urgent health needs across the five most affected countries in the Region, including US$ 10 million designated for Lebanon.

WHO will maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and its partners to guarantee fair and inclusive access to essential health services for everyone. Additional funding remains crucial to sustain these efforts. Above all, lasting peace is what the people of Lebanon and the wider region urgently require. WHO calls on all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution and to protect civilian lives.