The media office of Minister of Public Health Firas al-Abyad reported that in response to news regarding cases of yellow fever and an increase in skin rash cases in Syrian displacement camps in the Arsal area due to sewer water and the lack of clean water, Minister al-Abyad conducted a series of calls involving several deputies and local officials to discuss what can be done to curb the further spread of diseases in the displaced community and the potential for them to extend to the host community, especially since yellow fever is contagious and the current conditions in the displacement camps could facilitate its spread along with the possibility of other epidemics emerging.
He clarified in a statement that "the responsibility for providing clean water to the camps and removing sewage water lies with UNICEF." Consequently, Minister al-Abyad contacted UNICEF's Deputy Representative in Lebanon, Ms. Etty Higgins, who informed him about the reduction of the financial grant allocated for this matter, which has directly impacted the services provided.
The office noted, "It is worth mentioning that Minister al-Abyad was also informed at the beginning of this month by UNHCR Representative Ivo Freisen about the reduction of healthcare coverage for Syrian displaced individuals to half of what it was, justified by budget cuts for health due to the ongoing global crises from the outbreak of the Ukraine War to the Gaza War."
He indicated that "this reality and its resultant serious health implications raise the question: if the international community is keen on the safety of the displaced individuals in their home country and opposes supporting their return, how can it neglect their health security in the host country, putting their lives and that of their hosts at real risk?" He added, "Why is the security theory valid in the home country but fails in the host country?"
The office confirmed that "Lebanon has not failed in its humanitarian duties toward the displaced since 2011 and has been under the weight of a historic financial crisis for over four years, the heavy repercussions of which continue to inflict significant losses on its citizens, yet it is still expected to provide more."
It stated, "It goes without saying that Lebanon is unable to bear additional burdens, and the international community must take responsibility for finding a fundamental solution for the displaced that ensures their safe and feasible return to their homeland, while in the meantime, ensuring at least the essential health security necessary for them and their Lebanese counterparts, without any conditions."
The office concluded by stating, "It is our national and humanitarian duty to ring the alarm, as we cannot wait for the outbreak of epidemics to begin addressing these issues, and then initiate belated solidarity campaigns in all circumstances."
