LEBANON — A rapidly deepening humanitarian and public health crisis is unfolding across Lebanon amid escalating hostilities that began on March 2, 2026.
In response, the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva has overwhelmingly adopted an emergency resolution submitted by Lebanon to protect the country’s collapsing healthcare system.
The resolution passed with 95 votes in favor and two against, following strong backing from the Council of Arab Health Ministers. It condemns ongoing attacks on healthcare services as serious violations of international humanitarian law and calls for urgent international action to safeguard Lebanon’s medical system.
Heavy Human Toll
According to the latest Healthbrief issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the conflict has resulted in 12,722 casualties since March 2, including 3,151 deaths and 9,571 injuries.
Children have been significantly affected, with 218 killed and 864 injured.
Casualties are heavily concentrated in Nabatiyeh (5,325) and the South governorate (5,050), followed by Mount Lebanon (1,141).
Despite the ceasefire framework announced on April 17, 2026, violence has continued. Since that date alone, 2,556 additional casualties have been recorded, including 643 deaths and 1,913 injuries.
Healthcare System Under Attack
The report documents widespread disruption to Lebanon’s healthcare infrastructure, including 176 attacks on medical facilities and emergency teams.
These attacks have resulted in 123 healthcare worker deaths and 301 injuries.
Infrastructure damage includes:
• 16 hospitals damaged
• 3 hospitals forced to shut down completely, including Bint Jbeil Public Hospital and Mays al-Jabal Public Hospital
• 45 primary healthcare centres closed
• 118 pharmacies and medical warehouses damaged
Officials warn that these disruptions are severely limiting access to emergency care across multiple regions.
Growing Displacement and Disease Risks
Lebanon is also facing a worsening displacement crisis, with 129,724 people currently living in 635 collective shelters, according to the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Unit. This marks a 14% increase in displaced persons since mid-April.
Overcrowding has led to rising cases of lice, scabies, diarrheal illnesses, and chickenpox in shelters. In response, the MoPH and WHO have launched a public health awareness campaign, distributing hygiene kits and a prevention guide to 34,000 displaced families.
While no major outbreaks of cholera or hepatitis A have been reported, the WHO warns that strained water, sanitation, and medical supply systems leave the population highly vulnerable to epidemics.
International Response
The WHA resolution calls for stronger protection of healthcare workers and sustained international funding to prevent a total collapse of essential services in Lebanon.
Speaking at the assembly, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of coordinated international action, stating:
“That is exactly the point of multilateralism: not to pretend the difficulties of our world are not there, but to address them together... It is a choice to prioritise health.”
The WHO is currently deploying 120 major trauma kits to frontline teams and funding care for critically injured patients. However, officials emphasized that only a sustained cessation of hostilities can fully protect the right to health in Lebanon.
