Lebanon Crisis: Health System Strained as Violence Escalates
211,319 people displaced, with 118,466 new displacements between September 23-27, 2024
BEIRUT— Lebanon's health system is struggling under the weight of escalating violence, with hospitals reaching capacity and health centres closing, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) situation report released September 28, 2024, writes Winston Mwale.
Key developments:
- 1,640 deaths and 8,408 injuries reported since October 8, 2023
- 211,319 people displaced, with 118,466 new displacements between September 23-27, 2024
- 37 out of 317 health centers closed due to recent events
- 11 health personnel killed and 10 injured in the latest reporting period
- 3 hospitals evacuated
The Ministry of Health is working to recruit additional healthcare workers and has increased primary healthcare satellite units from 20 to 50, with plans to expand to 80.
WHO is supporting the response by:
- Distributing trauma kits to health facilities
- Providing training on mass casualty management
- Supporting blood supply efforts
- Enhancing disease surveillance
Challenges include the closure of health facilities, shortage of health workers, and limited mass casualty capacity at some hospitals. Patient referrals are restricted due to security issues.
The ongoing crisis continues to pose significant risks to public health, with displacement and poor living conditions in shelters likely to increase the risk of diseases, particularly water-borne and vaccine-preventable illnesses.
*Download the report below:
