Alarming Trends in Health Care Attacks in Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon – November 22, 2024 – Since October 7, 2023, Lebanon has witnessed a shocking rise in attacks on its healthcare system. Reports indicate that 47% of these attacks—totaling 65 out of 137 incidents—have resulted in the deaths of health workers or patients, up until November 21, 2024.
This figure is alarmingly high compared to other active conflict zones around the world, making Lebanon the most affected area in terms of fatal attacks on healthcare. In contrast, the global average for fatal incidents in healthcare settings is about 13.3%, according to data from various regions, including Ukraine, Sudan, and the occupied Palestinian territories, where only 9.6% of incidents have had fatal outcomes.
In total, Lebanon has suffered the loss of 226 healthcare workers and patients due to these attacks, with another 199 individuals injured during the same period between October 7, 2023, and November 18, 2024. Overall, a staggering 1,401 attacks on healthcare have been recorded across Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Israel.
Importance of Protecting Health Care
Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, the WHO Representative in Lebanon, emphasized the critical need to protect healthcare in conflict situations. He pointed out that targeting healthcare providers and denying civilians access to essential medical services violates international humanitarian law, which protects health facilities and workers. "Health facilities must be off-limits during armed conflicts," he stated, stressing that any military use of healthcare areas should be preceded by proper warnings.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for accountability regarding attacks on health services. "Indiscriminate attacks not only infringe upon human rights but risk becoming the new normal, which is unacceptable," she said.
Impact on Health Workers
The data reveals that 68% of attacks in Lebanon directly affected health professionals, posing a significant threat to the future of healthcare in the region. These attacks have dire consequences not just immediately but also in the long term, as they limit access to care for expectant mothers, hinder disease management, and result in preventable deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children.
Dr. Abubakar remarked on the profound impact these losses have on the healthcare system, stating, "The loss of life among healthcare workers translates into loss of essential services, leading to missed treatments and undiagnosed health conditions."
The Health System Under Strain
The situation is increasingly dire, with approximately 1 in 10 hospitals in Lebanon directly impacted by the conflict. Lebanon, already reeling from various crises, has seen its health system strained further by increased violence. Currently, 15 out of 153 hospitals are either fully closed or only partially operational. In Nabatieh, one of Lebanon’s governorates, hospital bed capacity has been slashed by 40%.
“Such extensive attacks on healthcare severely undermine the system’s ability to respond to emergencies, especially when care is needed the most,” Dr. Balkhy warned. "The lingering consequences can be debilitating for a country that relies on its health workforce."
As of November 18, 2024, global statistics show that there have been 1,246 attacks on healthcare worldwide in 13 countries, resulting in 730 deaths and 1,255 injuries among health workers and patients. The WHO’s Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care monitors these incidents to raise awareness and push for protective measures.
The alarming situation in Lebanon serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address violence against healthcare workers and to ensure that civilians can access the care they desperately need.
