Beirut: On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) Lebanon Country Office, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), reiterated its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of mothers and newborns, emphasizing that maternal health is a national priority and cornerstone of resilience and development.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, this year's commemoration, held under the patronage of Minister of Public Health Dr Rakan Nassereldine, convened national and international stakeholders under the theme "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures." The theme serves as a reminder that a thriving society begins with the protection of mothers and children, and that the survival of the next generation depends on the strength of health systems today.
WHO Representative in Lebanon Dr Abdinasir Abubakar and Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon Mrs Alessandra Viezzer both underscored the urgency of building inclusive and equitable health systems during the event. Globally, maternal and newborn mortality figures remain high, with nearly 400,000 stillbirths and 500,000 newborn deaths recorded each year. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, newborn deaths account for nearly 60% of under-5 mortality. Lebanon has made notable strides, achieving a 38% reduction in maternal mortality between 2000 and 2017. However, recent data indicates that progress is stalling, with 24 maternal deaths recorded out of 93,697 deliveries in 2023.
Under-5 mortality rates in Lebanon increased significantly between 2018 and 2023. Neonatal deaths rose from 5.3 to 11.22 per 1000 live births, infant mortality climbed from 7.4 to 15.59, and under-5 mortality surged from 9.6 to 18.16. These setbacks are rooted in multiple crises, including prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns, economic collapse, and structural challenges such as limited intensive care capacity in peripheral areas. Sociocultural dynamics, including early marriages among refugee populations and increasing pregnancies among older maternal ages, also contribute to poorer outcomes.
Health Minister Dr Rakan noted that the theme "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures," encapsulates the mission to ensure that every child thrives from the first breath and that every woman experiences pregnancy and childbirth with safety and dignity. Mrs Alessandra Viezzer stated that the European Union remains committed to supporting Lebanon's vision of making health care accessible to everyone. A stronger public health system is key to better health for all who live in Lebanon.
Dr Abdinasir Abubakar emphasized that WHO's commitment to Lebanon remains firm. He highlighted the need to raise awareness among pregnant women and their families, expand the training of health care workers, and continue strengthening the national health system to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
In the face of adversity, Lebanon's health sector, with WHO's support and under the leadership of the MoPH, has demonstrated resilience. Over the past three years, WHO Lebanon Country Office adopted a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, addressing urgent needs while reinforcing long-term health system capacity. A key milestone has been the development of the National Health Strategy, which outlines a vision for modernizing and rebuilding Lebanon's health sector with a focus on equity, quality, and sustainability.
WHO has played a role in Lebanon's cancer control efforts, supporting MoPH's development of the country's first national cancer control plan and participating in multiple national cancer committees. In 2024, Lebanon joined the Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer, with WHO supporting the provision of essential cancer medications to the most vulnerable patients.
Significant progress has been made in immunization. In 2024, WHO, in collaboration with MoPH and UNICEF, launched a national campaign to vaccinate children under 5 living in shelters against polio and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The campaign successfully reached 80% of targeted children across 879 shelters.
WHO's work has been instrumental in strengthening Lebanon's primary health care network. The number of MoPH-supported primary health care centres has grown to 317, addressing the rising demand for acute and chronic care. WHO continues to secure chronic and acute medications for over 500 centres and dispensaries, benefitting more than 250,000 people of all nationalities.
WHO has supported 12 public hospitals, providing essential equipment and training. Building on previous emergency response trainings, WHO launched a national mass casualty capacity-building programme, training 5,770 health care workers. WHO's support enabled the activation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) in 2023, central to Lebanon's emergency preparedness and response.
WHO and UN partners collaborated with MoPH on an accelerator plan focused on advancing sexual and reproductive health. WHO advocates for the use of digital technology to modernize the health information system and enhance accountability and transparency.
As Lebanon marks World Health Day 2025, WHO calls on all partners, donors, and stakeholders to expand their support to the health sector. The progress made is real but fragile. Maternal and newborn health must remain a top national agenda item, as it is foundational for peace, prosperity, and social justice.