The Minister of Public Health, Firas Al-Abyad, launched the annual reports on maternal deaths for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022, which were prepared in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the National Committee for Maternal Safety. The reports showed that Lebanon succeeded in maintaining a declining mortality index, despite the enormous challenges posed by the economic crisis, during the years 2020 and 2022, compared to the level achieved before the crisis in 2017 when deaths were reduced by more than seventy-five percent from previous decades. Although the rate increased in 2021, this was attributed to the negative effects of the Corona pandemic on pregnant women, a trend observed in many other countries, including the United States and Cyprus. Notably, this rate quickly declined back to previous levels the following year.
This announcement was made during a press conference attended by the head of the National Committee for Maternal Safety, Faisal Al-Qaq, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund in Lebanon, Asma Qardahi, and representatives from partner international organizations such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Lebanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Vital Statistics Unit at the Ministry of Public Health.
Minister Al-Abyad praised the commitment shown by the Ministry of Health's team, noting that "the overall programs of the Ministry of Public Health, such as monitoring, information gathering, and primary healthcare, continue to fulfill their duties despite the difficulties faced by many public institutions in Lebanon under the strain of the economic crisis."
Al-Abyad continued, stating that the low maternal mortality rate in Lebanon reflects the significant efforts made by all stakeholders, including the ministry, all partners, and health sector workers such as midwives, doctors, and nurses, which helps the healthcare system in Lebanon maintain good indicators.
He said, "The maternal mortality rate serves as clear evidence among other indicators of the resilience of the healthcare system in Lebanon; otherwise, the mortality rate would have increased. Despite the enormous challenges posed by the economic crisis, the maternal mortality rate remained stable during 2020 and 2022, at a level considered low, which was achieved before the crisis in 2017. While it is true that this rate increased due to the Corona pandemic in 2021, it quickly returned to previous levels following the decline of the pandemic's impacts."
Al-Abyad emphasized that "the Lebanese healthcare system has succeeded in facing various challenges, notably the presence of over one and a half million Syrian refugees in Lebanon." He pointed out that "what is notable in the presented numbers is that the health indicators among Syrian refugees are similar to those of the Lebanese, affirming the tremendous efforts made by Lebanon and its healthcare system to provide good services to both Lebanese and residents in Lebanon. However, at the same time, the ministry expresses its deep concern over the 40% reduction in the health budget from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which poses a significant risk to public health, especially with the spread of epidemics and other diseases. It is neither fair nor ethical to shift the burden onto Lebanon amidst all the difficult conditions it faces."
The Minister of Public Health reminded of "the necessity to adhere to what the European Parliament has recently decided regarding its call for various donors to assist Lebanon in bearing the burdens of refugees, stating that the support provided to them should remain at the same level and not be reduced."
Minister Al-Abyad concluded by noting that "Lebanon has managed to withstand the crises of recent years, and its healthcare system has shown resilience," expressing confidence that "the efforts of health sector workers will enable this system to overcome challenges and achieve better indicators, such as the maternal mortality rate."
