Beirut: The Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the European Union and UNICEF, held today the annual review of the 'AaSalameh' Primary Health Care initiative. Launched one year ago, AaSalameh introduces a life-cycle approach to health care, from pregnancy through early childhood and up to adolescent years.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, this initiative represents a systemic shift in how primary care is delivered in Lebanon, ensuring that both mothers and children receive person-centered care, regular follow-up, and comprehensive health education. Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, Minister of Public Health, emphasized the pivotal nature of AaSalameh in strengthening Lebanon's primary health care infrastructure, addressing critical gaps in vaccination coverage, and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Since its launch, the initiative has enabled over 25,000 children to receive timely vaccination, supported more than 1,400 pregnant women with antenatal care, and reached 15,900 newborns with postnatal follow-up. Community outreach has been instrumental, with over 114,000 household visits conducted to check on children's health and nutrition, raise awareness, and ensure timely referrals.
Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, highlighted the importance of strengthening Lebanon's public health system to restore confidence in public services. She commended the health workers for their innovative engagement with communities through outreach activities and health campaigns at Primary Healthcare Centers, acknowledging their fundamental contribution to improving public health outcomes in Lebanon.
AaSalameh employs a team-based, community-linked model, where nurses, midwives, and community health workers collaborate to bridge service delivery between health facilities and communities. This approach ensures that health needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
Andrea Berther, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, described AaSalameh not just as a service delivery model but as a transformative approach in reaching and caring for mothers and children across their life course. She reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to equity, access, and accountability in primary health care, expressing gratitude for the European Union's continued support.
Additionally, AaSalameh integrates health with broader social protection and public health mechanisms, including birth registration, school enrollment, and mental health and disease screening. This positions Primary Healthcare Centers as central hubs for life-stage services.
UNICEF, in close partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, will continue to enhance this model, ensuring sustained access to essential health services for every child and mother within Lebanon's primary health care system.