Health Minister calls for firm action to protect health workers and medical facilities in Lebanon

Lebanon’s Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereddine called on the international community to take firm action to ensure the protection of health workers and medical facilities in Lebanon in accordance with international law, and to support the continuity of essential health services across the country.

In his speech at the 79th World Health Assembly, he stressed that Lebanon remains committed to resilience, but said that amid the ongoing Israeli war, resilience alone is not enough without international solidarity.

He said the systematic targeting of the health sector is no less dangerous than previous attacks, adding that Lebanon’s health system is under severe pressure.

The minister urged the international community to act decisively, first to guarantee the protection of health personnel and facilities in line with international law, and second to ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services across Lebanon.

He concluded by stressing that health should not be a target, but rather a bridge toward peace, dignity, and humanity.