On October 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the first highly infectious cholera case in northern Lebanon, raising alarms for the displaced populations who may now face both the threat of war and cholera.
In a statement from the UN office in Geneva, Dr. Abdou Bakr, the WHO representative in Lebanon, expressed grave concerns about the rapid spread of cholera. He noted that many displaced individuals fleeing from the violence in the south lack immunity to cholera, particularly in areas of southern Lebanon and Beirut where water and sanitation conditions are severely compromised. This environment could facilitate a swift outbreak of the disease in these communities.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated that response plans have already been initiated, focusing on enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and water source testing.
According to the latest statistics from the WHO, there have been 23 attacks on healthcare facilities in Lebanon since the escalation of conflict a month ago, resulting in the deaths of 72 medical personnel and patients, along with 43 injuries. The ongoing bombardments and unsafe conditions have forced a growing number of medical institutions to shutter, particularly in southern Lebanon. Hospitals, while treating a large influx of casualties, are struggling to maintain essential healthcare services under unprecedented strain.
Dr. Tedros confirmed that the WHO has distributed medical supplies to key hospitals to assist in treating those injured in the bombing. Furthermore, their collaboration with the Lebanese Red Cross aims to ensure a safe blood supply for blood banks and to train surgeons.
He underscored that achieving peace, rather than merely providing aid, is crucial to resolving the current crisis.
