The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a grave warning regarding the potential for disease outbreaks in Lebanon as displacement shelters become increasingly overcrowded and hospitals face closures due to ongoing violence.
Ian Clarke, the WHO's deputy incident manager for Lebanon, highlighted the heightened risks of illnesses such as acute watery diarrhea and hepatitis A, as well as vaccine-preventable diseases.
Clarke spoke at a press briefing from Beirut, noting that the recent ground operations by Israeli forces against Hezbollah have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which has already resulted in over 1,000 fatalities in just two weeks, has led to a significant displacement of people, with many seeking refuge in makeshift shelters.
“The health system is overstretched,” Clarke stated, revealing that five hospitals have fully closed and four others are operating at limited capacity. This is largely due to medical staff fleeing the violence or being ordered to evacuate by Lebanese authorities.
As conditions deteriorate, the WHO is calling for urgent international support to address the impending health crisis and protect vulnerable populations. The organization emphasizes the critical need for medical supplies and personnel to mitigate the risk of outbreaks in the overcrowded displacement centers.
Ian Clarke, the WHO's deputy incident manager for Lebanon, highlighted the heightened risks of illnesses such as acute watery diarrhea and hepatitis A, as well as vaccine-preventable diseases.
Clarke spoke at a press briefing from Beirut, noting that the recent ground operations by Israeli forces against Hezbollah have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which has already resulted in over 1,000 fatalities in just two weeks, has led to a significant displacement of people, with many seeking refuge in makeshift shelters.
“The health system is overstretched,” Clarke stated, revealing that five hospitals have fully closed and four others are operating at limited capacity. This is largely due to medical staff fleeing the violence or being ordered to evacuate by Lebanese authorities.
As conditions deteriorate, the WHO is calling for urgent international support to address the impending health crisis and protect vulnerable populations. The organization emphasizes the critical need for medical supplies and personnel to mitigate the risk of outbreaks in the overcrowded displacement centers.
