WHO: Lebanon Life-Saving Health Services Must be Preserved at All Costs

WHO: Lebanon Life-Saving Health Services Must be Preserved at All Costs

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Ahmed Al Mandhari have issued a joint statement on their visit to Lebanon this week.

“We have just concluded a two-day visit to Beirut, Lebanon to reiterate our commitment to the people of Lebanon and express our solidarity and continued support,” the statement said.

“Since the Beirut port blast last year, the country and its people have slipped even further into despair. The current economic crisis has increased poverty across the country, and all sectors including health, are at risk of collapse,” the statement added.

Tedros and Mandhari warned that fuel shortages are causing most hospitals to operate at only 50% capacity.

“Just today, we were told that two open heart surgeries were canceled because of limited fuel at the facility where they were planned to take place. Basic and life-saving medicines are in short supply, with restrictions in foreign currency severely limiting importation of medicines and medical goods,” they said.

The statement added that a brain drain is occurring at alarming speed, noting that almost 40% of skilled medical doctors and almost 30% of registered nurses have already left the country either permanently or temporarily.

“Mental health needs are greater