WHO Warns of Disease Outbreak Risk in Lebanon Amid Hospital Closures
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the potential for disease outbreaks in Lebanon due to the ongoing crisis, which has seen hospitals close amid escalating violence. Ian Clark, a WHO official based in Beirut, highlighted the dire situation during a news conference, indicating that crowded conditions in displacement shelters further exacerbate the risk.
The conflict, intensified by Israeli ground operations in southwestern Lebanon, has resulted in over 1,000 deaths in just two weeks and has forced many to flee their homes. Clark noted that the likelihood of outbreaks of diseases such as acute watery diarrhea, hepatitis A, and other vaccine-preventable diseases is alarmingly high. Currently, five hospitals in Lebanon are completely out of service, while four others are functioning below optimal levels due to the ongoing fighting. The closure of these facilities is attributed to medical staff fleeing the violence or evacuating at the request of authorities.
In addition to health concerns, the World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed worries regarding Lebanon’s agricultural sector. Matthew Hollingworth, the WFP country director, emphasized the severe impact of the conflict on food production, stating that thousands of acres of farmland in southern Lebanon have been burned or left abandoned. He warned that without intervention, Lebanon may struggle to sustain its food supply as crops are left unharvested and will likely rot in the fields.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, both health and food security in Lebanon are at significant risk, prompting urgent calls for international assistance to address these critical issues.
