The Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Firas Abiad, in collaboration with the nutrition sector in Lebanon, has launched the first national survey on micronutrients and essential vitamins for the most vulnerable groups (LIMA), specifically preschool children (from birth to 59 months), adolescent girls (ages 10 to 19), non-pregnant women (ages 20 to 49), and pregnant women. He emphasized that "this national survey on micronutrients and essential vitamins for the most vulnerable groups is a very important step in the long journey of building a cohesive health system in Lebanon." He stated, "The goal of the survey is not just to collect information, but to obtain a tool that contributes to anticipating dangerous and chronic diseases caused by malnutrition."
The Minister of Health added, "The multiple crises that Lebanon is experiencing have led to an increase in food deprivation and a decline in the quality of food among individuals, especially children, adolescents, and women. Therefore, the survey will contribute to developing programs that will help improve nutritional status and address all forms of malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, in addition to obesity, overweight, and chronic non-communicable diseases." He concluded, "This survey will serve as a necessary document to establish a national nutrition plan in line with the Public Health Ministry's goals to improve public health in Lebanon."
