Lebanon – Supporting healthcare to respond to the emergency

Since September 2024, the southern Lebanese town of Nabatiyeh has been hit by daily bombardments, resulting in destruction, displacement and disruption of essential services, particularly healthcare. On November 21, Première Urgence Internationale delivered essential medical supplies to the hospitals of Nabatiyeh, Najdeh and the Primary Health Care Center. 

Ensuring delivery of medicines to Nabatiyeh hospitals 

 “Our main concern was to bring medical aid to the hospital in Nabatiyeh, as it serves as a central point for the whole region. Many people have fled to Nabatiyeh from neighboring towns, and some residents have decided to stay,” explains Farah Akil, birth-cash assistance teamleader. 

Since the start of the conflict on October 8, 2023, and until the announcement of a ceasefire on November 27, 2024, health infrastructures have been severely affected: according to the WHO, 140 attacks have been recorded, causing 233 deaths and 206 injuries. 52 primary health centers and 8 hospitals have closed, while 7 others are partially operational. The hospital in Nabatiyeh suffered considerable damage: the strikes damaged the entire facility. 

Despite this critical situation, Première Urgence Internationale teams managed to deliver emergency health kits and pediatric kits, provided by Tulipe and its partners, covering the needs of around 1,000 patients. Medicines and medical supplies financed by the Lebanese Humanitarian Fund managed by UN OCHA, as well as direct donations from Première Urgence Internationale, will make it possible to treat almost 4,500 additional patients in Nabatiyeh. 

Resilience and mobilization: from medical staff to local communities 

The conflict had a considerable human impact on the medical staff, who were faced with particularly trying working conditions. 75 members of the hospital staff continued to work, despite losing their homes or loved ones. For example, Rawan, an intensive care nurse who was pregnant at the start of the conflict, chose to give birth at the hospital and stay for two months with her newborn baby to care for the wounded. Farah, an X-ray technician, sent her family to safer areas while she continued to work. 

Faced with these challenges, the local community rallied to support the care-givers by donating food and basic necessities for the doctors and their families, who remained at the hospital. 

At the same time, Première Urgence Internationale provided financial support to ensure continuity of services, while facilitating remote medical consultations for displaced persons. 

Providing support beyond the ceasefire  

Teams are continuing to supply essential medical equipment, rehabilitate damaged health infrastructures and provide ongoing training for health workers. 

Aware of the psychological consequences of the conflict, Première Urgence Internationale plans to develop a mental health support program for affected medical staff. 

Première Urgence Internationale’s commitment in Lebanon remains strong: to support vulnerable communities and meet essential needs. 

En savoir plus sur notre mission au Liban

Credit photos : Nabil Kasri