A delegation from the "Progressive Socialist Party" and the "Democratic Meeting Bloc," directed by former MP Walid Jumblatt and the head of the Progressive Socialist Party, MP Taymour Jumblatt, visited the Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Fras Al-Abyad, the Governor of Beirut, Judge Marwan Aboud, and the head of the Beirut Municipal Council, Abdullah Darwish, to follow up on the air pollution issue in Beirut, which has reached alarming levels according to a recent study conducted by the American University. This pollution has largely been attributed to the excessive reliance on diesel generators over the past five years.
The delegation included MP Bilal Abdullah, Secretary General Zafer Nasser, vice president of the party Haboubah Aoun, member of the leadership council Rina Al-Hosnania, and the Beirut District Secretary in the party, Basel Al-Aoud.
Following the meeting with the Minister of Health, Abdullah stated: "By the commission of the former president of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, and the head of the Progressive Socialist Party, MP Taymour Jumblatt, to follow up on the American University report regarding pollution in Beirut due to generators, we started with a meeting with the Governor of Beirut and the head of the Municipal Council, followed by a meeting with the Minister of Public Health, who provided us with accurate figures regarding the study conducted by the university with approximate numbers. He confirmed the necessity for public support and the involvement of state institutions, especially since the cancer issue has been discussed for two years when the minister formed a follow-up committee. A national plan was also developed last year for protection and prevention to reduce cases."
Abdullah added: "The greatest danger stems from smoking and addiction to it." He noted that "these meetings will continue in the future, as the cancer topic is a comprehensive national health concern."
For his part, Al-Abyad commented: "The discussion was very important, especially as it addresses cancer and the alarming statistics, as well as the suffering of patients in accessing treatment." He further stated: "We launched a national cancer plan in July 2023, which begins with protection, awareness, and early detection."
He continued: "The approach is based on prevention, especially since the study is troubling and highlighted one of the reasons for the increase in cancer patients in Lebanon." He added: "During the meeting, there was consensus on the idea of shared responsibility among everyone, the ministry, political parties, and associations, as this disease does not discriminate between individuals."
He called for "solidarity among all to implement this plan and protect the community." Al-Abyad concluded: "These meetings will continue in the future, hoping that roles will be activated through municipalities, parties, and activists so that this joint effort yields positive results for the health of citizens."
