WHO receives critical humanitarian health shipment from the European Union, ECHO and the Government of France to support Lebanon’s health sector
The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, received an EU cargo shipment of essential medical supplies and medicines at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. The shipment has been generously provided by the European Union (EU), the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), and the Government of France to support Lebanon’s ongoing health needs and strengthen the continuity of essential health services.
The French humanitarian cargo included vital medicines, trauma and emergency medical supplies, vaccines, mental health medications, oral medicines, renewable medical equipment, and a mobile health post aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and healthcare delivery capacities across Lebanon.
The contribution from the European Union includes 8 kits of Non-Communicable Disease Kits (NCDK) medicines, intended to support up to 80,000 people suffering from chronic illnesses for 3 months, and ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving treatments.
Support from ECHO includes 151 sets of trauma and emergency medical supplies, in addition to medicines and vaccines comprising 804 boxes. They are estimated to support health service delivery for up to 2,000 trauma patients and 10,000 beneficiary contacts over a three-month emergency response period through hospitals and primary health care facilities.
The EU Humanitarian Air Bridge shipment also contains donations of supplementary mental health medicines, oral medicines, and renewable and equipment units to reinforce hospitals and primary healthcare services responding to increasing humanitarian and health needs.
The Government of France contributed two Mobile Health Units (Poste sanitaire mobile), which will support rapid medical response capacities and help deliver healthcare services in emergency situations and underserved areas. Each Mobile Health Unit can treat 500 casualties.
French Ambassador Hervé Magro: Today marks the arrival of the 4th delivery of French aid, totaling over 100 tons of humanitarian and medical assistance since early March, as part of the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge. France remains committed to supporting Lebanon and its healthcare system during these challenging times. The provision today of two mobile health posts - including a pediatric one - demonstrate our commitment to strengthening emergency medical response capacities and our continued support for the Lebanese people.
The WHO Deputy Representative in Lebanon Dr Yutaro Setoya said: WHO extends its sincere gratitude to the European Union, ECHO, and the Government of France for their timely and generous support to Lebanon’s health sector. These essential medical supplies and equipment will help strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities, ensure continuity of care, and support hospitals and vulnerable communities across the country during a critical period.
WHO continues to work closely with national authorities and international partners to ensure timely delivery and distribution of life-saving medical assistance to hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and vulnerable communities throughout Lebanon.
