Lebanon Confronts Severe Unmet Health Needs: WHO

Beirut, Dec 21 (NationPress) Lebanon is currently experiencing severe unmet health needs as countless civilians demand reconstructive surgeries and physical rehabilitation in the aftermath of the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire, as reported by the World Health Organization Lebanon Office.

Since last October, over 4,000 individuals have lost their lives and 17,000 others have sustained injuries in Lebanon, with the death toll steadily rising as more bodies are discovered among the 16,000 structures that have been either partially or entirely destroyed, resulting in an estimated 8 million tonnes of debris, according to the office's news release.

The report highlighted that one in four individuals suffering from life-altering injuries will require extended rehabilitation.

Due to financial challenges and a shortage of health professionals, most hospitals in Lebanon are operating at reduced capacity, the report noted.

The demand for health professionals in the nation remains critical, as over 530 health workers and patients have been either killed or injured in attacks on healthcare facilities, with thousands of health workers having been displaced.

Water and sanitation systems have faced significant disruptions, increasing the risk of potential disease outbreaks.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on November 27, ending the hostilities that began on October 8, 2023, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Despite this agreement, the Israeli military continues to launch strikes within Lebanon, with official Lebanese media reporting incidents that include machine gun fire, artillery bombardments, home demolitions, and airstrikes, some of which have led to casualties in southern and eastern Lebanon.

In response to repeated Israeli assaults, Hezbollah has breached the truce on one occasion.