WHO emergencies chief: Lebanon’s health system at risk as agency launches $30m appeal, $10m for Lebanon

Lebanon’s health system is still functioning despite conflict, displacement and repeated attacks on medical services, but access to essential care is increasingly at risk without urgent and sustained international support, the World Health Organization’s emergencies chief warned after a three-day visit.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, concluded meetings with national authorities including the Prime Minister and Health Minister, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, partners, displaced people and frontline health workers.

He said he was moved by the resilience of families and the commitment of health staff and partners, noting that preparedness investments have kept services running for now, but it is unclear how long the system can withstand repeated shocks as the conflict continues.

WHO said it is supporting the national response by delivering medical supplies, training health workers, supporting the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and coordinating with partners. A four‑truck convoy arrived on 1 April carrying trauma emergency surgery supplies and specialized medicines sufficient to support 50,000 patients, including 40,000 surgical interventions.

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

International humanitarian law is clear that health care must not be targeted and should be actively protected, Dr Ihekweazu said, emphasizing that this includes health workers, patients, transport and facilities. At Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the largest public hospital in Lebanon, hospital leaders reported a sharp rise in demand following the closure of hospitals in Beirut’s southern suburbs, with emergency admissions tripling.

During a visit to a collective shelter, Dr Ihekweazu cited health challenges facing displaced people, including limited access to safe water, food and health services. He said WHO is working with local officials to maintain essential services, with a focus on ensuring disease surveillance in shelters detects illnesses quickly to enable care and reduce transmission.

WHO’s Representative in Lebanon, Dr Abdinasir Abubakar, said close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and partners over years has supported the health system’s resilience so far. However, he cautioned that humanitarian needs are increasing and that sustained international support is critical to ensure continuity of care, especially for the most vulnerable.

On 2 April, WHO launched a Flash Appeal for US$ 30 million over the next six months to address urgent health needs across the five most affected countries in the Region, including US$ 10 million for Lebanon. WHO said it will continue to work with the Ministry of Public Health and partners to ensure equitable and inclusive access to essential services, but additional funding is needed.

The organization also urged all parties to work towards a resolution and to safeguard lives, saying peace is ultimately what people in Lebanon and the wider region need.