Lebanon: soaring needs for trauma treatment and rehabilitation
The ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities took effect on 27 November, offering temporary relief for the millions of civilians caught in the conflict in Lebanon. But Lebanon’s suffering did not end amid staggering unmet health needs. Bordering Syria and Israel, Lebanon’s overburdened health system is reeling from the impacts of an economic crisis, political deadlock, refugee crisis and now war.
A rocky road ahead
The road ahead for Lebanon‘s health system is rocky and the future uncertain.
Growing need for specialized trauma care
Since 8 October 2023, more than 4000 people were killed and 17 000 injured in Lebanon alone. Since the ceasefire took hold and conflict-impacted areas have become more accessible, the death toll continued climbing as more bodies are found in the 16 000 buildings that have been partially or completely destroyed, leaving an estimated 8 million tonnes of debris.
WHO’s response
Ensuring a sufficient number of trained health workers with expertise in war-related trauma and plastic reconstructive surgery is a priority.
unconscionable,