19 June 2025, Beirut, Lebanon– The World Health Organization (WHO) Lebanon, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and with generous support from the Government of Japan, has launched a project to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve public hospital infrastructure and ensure reliable access to lifesaving medical supplies across Lebanon.
At a ceremony held today at the Karantina Medical Supplies Warehouse, representatives from WHO, MoPH, the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) gathered to inaugurate the project. The launch was followed by a short tour of the warehouse.
“It is a great honour to stand with you today to mark the launch of this critical initiative, one that reflects not only the strength of our partnerships but also our collective commitment to protect lives and build resilience in the face of adversity,” said WHO Representative in Lebanon Dr Abdinasir Abubakar. “With the steadfast support of Japan we are reinforcing national systems and advancing sustainable, impactful solutions for the Lebanese people.”
Health Minister Dr Rakan Nassereddine emphasized that the project, with its 3 programmes, is in line with the National Health Strategy focus on enhancing the quality of health care and activating digital transformation within the Ministry's systems. The project, he added, is a top priority for the Ministry in supporting government hospitals in Lebanon.
"Expanding the logistics management system, enhancing the capabilities of blood banks and expanding the Ministry of Public Health's medical supplies warehouse in Karantina will enable government hospitals to effectively manage challenges, optimize resource utilization and raise health care standards. The project launched today, by addressing logistical gaps, contributes to building a more resilient and equitable health care system," said Dr Nassereddine.
“It will enhance the Ministry's emergency preparedness, boost operational efficiency, and ensure timely access to lifesaving medical resources for all individuals."
Dr Nassereddine thanked the people and Government of Japan for their continued support which played a crucial role in enabling WHO to rehabilitate the central drug warehouse after the August 2020 explosion. The Minister of Public Health also noted the ongoing support provided by WHO to the Ministry.
The project, which fully aligns with the Lebanon Flash Appeal and Lebanon Response Plan, targets 3 key areas for intervention.
“These interventions are not just technical upgrades. Behind them are thousands of lives – women in need of emergency care, children with chronic conditions and families whose only access to health care is through public hospitals,” said Dr Abubakar.
The partnership between WHO and JICA plays a pivotal role in strengthening Lebanon’s health system and helping to ensure a more coordinated, harmonized and resilient response to the challenges facing the health sector. Japan’s longstanding technical and financial support has been instrumental in advancing national efforts to modernize and align critical health infrastructure.
In the words of the Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon H.E. Magoshi Masayuki: “Japan’s support for Lebanon’s health sector through this collaboration with WHO and the Ministry of Public Health is essential to building a responsive and robust system capable of meeting both everyday needs and emergency challenges. Our focus remains on sustainable solutions that enhance institutional capacities and community resilience and help Lebanon advance on the path towards long-term recovery and stability.”
By addressing critical logistical gaps and improving health infrastructure, the initiative not only bolsters Lebanon’s emergency preparedness but lays the groundwork for broader, long-term improvements in health care delivery. WHO Lebanon, MoPH and their partners expressed hope that the project’s success will serve as a model for further expansion across more regions and facilities.
“This project is an investment not only in systems and infrastructure but in stability, dignity and hope,” concluded Dr Abubakar. “Together with our partners, we are not only responding to crises, we are building a more resilient and inclusive future for Lebanon.”
Hala Habib, Communications Officer, WHO Lebanon
Email: [email protected] | Phone: +961 3 870459
