2023-09-13 16:03:50
The Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, received a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund for the Arab States, headed by its Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kenan, and in the presence of the Regional Director, Laila Bakr, and the Fund’s representative in Lebanon, Asma Qirdahi.
Women’s reproductive health was the main topic of the meeting, as Minister Al-Abyad expressed that “there is good progress with regard to women’s health, according to health indicators in Lebanon.”
The attendees discussed the projects undertaken by the Ministry of Public Health in this field, including the project to activate the role of midwives to provide care to pregnant women and the importance of their role in primary health care centers. The Minister highlighted the importance of launching the maternal health strategy at the beginning of this year.
The attendees also discussed the high rate of caesarean section births in Lebanon, as the Minister of Public Health assured them that this issue is being addressed with the competent authorities, and it also requires increasing health culture and awareness among patients in general and pregnant women in particular.
Al-Abyad said: “The administration in light of the difficulties, as is the case in the Lebanese situation, requires us to be quick and flexible in acting, and for this reason, clear strategies and good coordination with our partners is very important,” noting that the Ministry of Health is trying to find a way to work with… Resources in place to maximize impact.”
For her part, Kenan stressed that “the cooperation that took place between the Ministry and the United Nations Population Fund is a good way to build confidence as one team in order to continue working and achieving more in the service of women and society.” She praised the midwives program in the Ministry, and stated that “development is the only solution to overcome “Difficult economic situation.” She considered that “the role of the youth sector is important for the future of Lebanon, expressing her concern regarding the high rates of immigration among them.”
In turn, Qardahi praised “the strong relationship that exists between the United Nations Population Fund and the Ministry of Public Health, expressing her appreciation for Dr. Al-Abyad’s role in developing the national health strategy,” and thanked him for his constant cooperation.
In conclusion, Al-Abyad expressed his happiness “to work with the United Nations Population Fund, while emphasizing the necessity of engaging and working together, especially in projects that affect women’s health,” expressing that “there is hope and that what the ministry is working on is worth fighting for.”
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