With funding from Japan, UNOPS works to strengthen Lebanon’s health services

Lebanon has faced multiple socio-economic crises in recent years. A protracted financial crisis, compounded by COVID-19, the explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020 and the recent energy crisis have led to a sharp increase in extreme poverty and food insecurity and put millions of people out of work. The crises have significantly impacted the provision of basic services for vulnerable communities and people, with hospitals across the country experiencing shortages in medical equipment, supplies and power.

To help combat the shortage of electricity, UNOPS worked with the government of Japan and Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health to provide a reliable energy supply to hospitals and improve energy efficiency.

“We are grateful for this support from Japan and for UNOPS efforts in making this project a reality,” said Dr. Firas Abiad.

Three solar photovoltaic hybrid systems were installed in public hospitals in the North, Bekaa and Nabatieh governorates. Each of the solar systems has the capacity to generate more than 260 kilowatts of renewable energy – covering up to 30 per cent of the energy needs of the targeted hospitals. More than 13,000 light bulbs, fixtures and other accessories were also provided to the hospitals to improve energy efficiency.

As part of the project, a CT scanner and more than 540 medical items and equipment were also procured for the hospitals. To build local capacity and ensure the sustainability of the systems and equipment, training was also provided – including to hospital personnel – to operate and maintain the solar energy systems and medical equipment delivered.

Together, the solar energy systems and other delivered equipment will help to strengthen the provision of essential health services for some of Lebanon’s most vulnerable communities, benefitting over half a million people each year.

“Governmental hospitals in Lebanon are the backbone and pillar of the country’s healthcare sector [...] Japan hopes that this assistance will help secure sustainable access to health services for the most vul nerable communities during these difficult times,” said H.E. Mr. Masayuki Magoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon.

The US$1.3 million project – funded by the Government of Japan and imple mented by UNOPS in partnership with Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health – was formally completed at a ceremony held at the Minieh Governmental Hospital.

Speaking at the ceremony, Representa tive and Director of UNOPS Multi-Coun try Office in Amman, Muhammad Usman Akram, said that reliable energy and qual ity healthcare services are critical for the people of Lebanon amidst the multiple challenges the country is experiencing.

“I appreciate the continued partnership with the government of Japan in support of vulnerable populations and in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health to enhance access to public health services in Lebanon,” he said.

France to assist Lebanon to improve healthcare

Meanwhile, in June Lebanon’s Caretaker Minister of Health, Firas Abiad, signed a cooperation and coordination agreement with his French counterpart, François Braun.

“This agreement organizes and activates cooperation to guarantee the implementation of useful projects,” Abiad explained after inking the agreement with his counterpart in France.

“The framework agreement includes various areas of joint cooperation, including areas of primary health care, ministry programs for mental and psychological health, organ donation, the preparation of medical and nursing cadres, and strengthening health systems,” Abiad explained.

The Minister of Health also visited the Gustave Roussy Center, Europe’s leading centre for cancer treatment.

During the visit, discussions focused on the National Cancer Control Plan, which the ministry said it would launch in July, and the means to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health and the Center in terms of treatment, research, executive training, and development of advanced treatment protocols.