The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a statement that "in response to the increasing hostilities at the border, it has issued an urgent call for preparedness and response in Lebanon." The organization has requested "funding to enhance the capacity for treating mass casualties and emergency care, ensuring the continuation of essential health services for vulnerable and affected populations, bolstering disease surveillance and control, and other measures."
It specified that "two potential scenarios are considered in this appeal: if hostilities are limited to southern Lebanon, the organization estimates that it will need $6.7 million for preparedness and response; if hostilities extend to the entire country, it will require $11.1 million."
The appeal is part of a renewed funding call from the organization for multi-country support for the occupied Palestinian territory and neighboring countries, with total estimated funding requirements of approximately $140 million.
The statement highlighted that "Lebanon is experiencing a prolonged economic crisis that has reduced incomes for the population and limited their access to healthcare. The country is facing a widespread shortage of medicines, and citizens are incurring high healthcare costs from their own funds. Estimates suggest that more than 40% of the healthcare workforce has left the country, and one in three people in Lebanon needs humanitarian assistance, including health aid."
It pointed out that "ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and uncertainty about the future place additional burdens on the health system. So far, 77 people have been killed, 331 others injured, and more than 26,000 people displaced within Lebanon. Additionally, three attacks on healthcare facilities have been reported."
The organization confirmed that it has begun, alongside the Ministry of Public Health and other partners, to prepare for a potential escalation of the conflict. A Public Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated, led by the ministry with support from the organization, to coordinate the national response.
