Lebanon Launches Report on Maternal Health, Pledges Continued Advancement
Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health today released a complete report assessing teh state of maternal health services nationwide, accompanied by renewed commitments from goverment officials and international partners to further reduce maternal mortality and improve care for expectant mothers.
The report, prepared under the supervision of the National Committee for Motherhood and Child Health, serves as a benchmark for evaluating progress and identifying areas needing intervention. Minister of Public Health, Rakan Nasser al-Din, highlighted Lebanon’s relatively low maternal mortality rate compared to regional averages, while emphasizing a “permanent ambition to achieve more improvement in this field.”
Despite ongoing economic and political challenges, Minister al-Din affirmed that Lebanon possesses “grate human energies” dedicated to healthcare.He outlined a reproductive health plan centered on collaboration with medical unions, non-governmental organizations, and primary healthcare facilities, prioritizing preventative care to address health issues before they escalate.
The Ministry views maternal health not merely as a health indicator, but as a reflection of societal justice, dignity, and fairness within the healthcare system.Efforts are being bolstered through partnerships,particularly with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),to expand access to quality prenatal care services for all women,regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.
Dr. Hana De Kamio, a key speaker at the report’s launch, passionately advocated for the prevention of all maternal deaths, stating, “not the death of any woman while having life.” She urged continued investment in maternal health initiatives to ensure safe and joyful births for all.
The report’s findings will be used to refine strategies for improving health indicators and addressing systemic weaknesses. Minister al-Din specifically called attention to the critical role of primary care centers in providing essential maternal healthcare services and emphasized the importance of public awareness, urging pregnant women to seek specialist care when facing health risks. He also acknowledged the strain placed on the health system by Lebanon’s multiple crises, framing the protection of maternal health as an investment in the well-being of the entire society and a more equitable future.
The Ministry of Public Health is currently working with UNFPA on initiatives to strengthen the capacity of primary healthcare centers to provide essential maternal and newborn care services, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care. These programs are particularly focused on vulnerable populations in underserved areas, such as the bekaa Valley and parts of Tripoli. Further details on the report’s specific data and recommendations are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
