2023-11-02 08:10:53
The World Health Organization in the Eastern Mediterranean reported, in a statement, that “Regional Director Ahmed Al-Mandhari concluded his visit to Beirut, amid the escalation of hostilities on the Lebanese border, and met with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, United Nations partners, and the organization’s employees to “strengthen the health system’s preparedness to confront any escalation that may occur.” It occurs in conflict. Over the past few weeks, hostilities have crossed the border into southern Lebanon, where 42 people have been killed, 193 injured, and 29,000 people internally displaced since the beginning of the cross-border conflict.
Al-Mandhari said: “The extension of hostilities into southern Lebanon is a cause for concern because it exposes more civilians to the risk of death or injury, and may threaten the health security of the entire region. Ultimately, we call for a ceasefire in Gaza so that losses and suffering do not worsen.” “Regional preparedness efforts, we are working to ensure that the readiness of the health system in Lebanon is strengthened to deal with mass infections, and to provide health services to the displaced without compromising existing health services for those living in the region.”
The statement noted that “Lebanon’s health system is facing challenges due to the ongoing economic crisis and the impact of the Beirut explosion in August 2020, and is also groaning under the pressure of the increasing burden of Syrian refugee needs. The acute shortage of specialized doctors, health workers, medicines, medical equipment and other health supplies has exacerbated The complex challenges facing the health system and population health.
He added, “In addition to the support provided by the organization and partners in the health field, the Ministry of Public Health has raised the level of health system preparedness and readiness to support the treatment of mass casualties and provide emergency health care services to those affected by any escalation that may occur in the conflict. The organization supported the establishment of a public health emergency operations center.” In the Ministry of Public Health and activated it to coordinate and support all health preparedness and response activities. On October 31, the organization prepared in advance trauma treatment supplies, sufficient for 800 injured people, in eight public hospitals to enhance their capacity to accommodate any increase in the number of injured people. In addition, it will be delivered in the coming days More trauma and surgical supplies, enough for 3,000 casualties, to 30 referral hospitals to enhance their emergency response capacity.”
He continued, “During his visit, Al-Mandhari, accompanied by the Director of the Regional Emergency Program, Dr. Richard Brennan, met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Firas Al-Abyad. Mikati thanked the organization for its continued support to meet the health needs in Lebanon during the multiple crises that have passed.” in the country in recent years, and for the rapid support provided to confront any aggravation that may occur in health emergencies on the borders. After Dr. Al-Abyad expressed his appreciation for the cooperation between the organization and the Ministry of Public Health, he stressed the importance of preparing for and confronting emergencies, and said: “The organization’s support to strengthen “Health systems during emergencies are critical support.”
He announced that “Al-Mandhari also visited the Ministry of Public Health warehouse in Karantina, where additional health supplies were prepared in advance for southern Lebanon following arriving from the organization’s logistics center in Dubai. An additional air shipment of first aid supplies for the injured is expected to arrive from Dubai to Lebanon next week, and it has been announced that “The Ministry of Public Health has finalized the identification of referral hospitals to which these critical supplies will be sent. United Nations partners expressed their appreciation for the preparedness and readiness efforts in the health sector, and expressed concern regarding the lack of funding necessary to meet the growing health needs.”
He concluded: “Within the framework of the regional appeal launched by the organization last week regarding the Gaza crisis, the organization requested a total amount of 50 million US dollars for its efforts to confront the crisis in Gaza, and 10.4 million US dollars to support health response efforts in the event that the crisis extends to Lebanon.” .
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