Healing Under Fire: The Challenges Facing Lebanon’s Health Care Amid War

Abstract

The 2024 war in Lebanon has created an urgent humanitarian crisis, significantly exacerbating the already existing challenges in the health care sector. With a high number of casualties reported, hospitals are overwhelmed and struggling due to the prolonged economic downturn and deteriorating infrastructure. Many health care facilities face the threat of closure from bombings and critical supply shortages, while health care workers are increasingly at risk, leading to a troubling exodus of medical professionals from the country. This alarming situation complicates the treatment of war-related injuries, particularly as essential medications and medical supplies become increasingly scarce. Moreover, the lack of adequate resources limits the ability to effectively respond to the growing medical needs of the population. Immediate international assistance, focusing on providing essential medical supplies, supporting health care workers through safety measures and incentives, and reinforcing hospital infrastructure to prevent closures, is crucial for mitigating the ongoing conflict’s devastating impact on public health. Addressing these challenges by securing resources for both immediate medical treatment and long-term health care infrastructure resilience is vital for restoring a functional health care system amid the ongoing violence.