Lebanon is shifting its public health focus away from widespread COVID-19 vaccination as the majority of the population has received three doses, according to Abdul Rahman Al-Bazri, speaking with Al-Nahar on 2024/09/10. Resources will rather be directed toward combating other vaccine-preventable diseases.
While acknowledging a recent resurgence of respiratory viruses, Al-Bazri indicated that current COVID-19 cases remain moderate and linked to increased tourism activity. He noted hospitals did not face a crisis during the latest wave of the coronavirus, but experienced added strain from the concurrent spread of Rota and Noro viruses, exacerbated by infrastructure deficiencies-specifically disruptions in water and electricity. Al-Bazri cautioned that these conditions, combined with climate change, could facilitate future epidemics unless fundamental improvements are made to Lebanon’s health and environmental services.
He further stated that, given current vaccination rates, seasonal COVID-19 boosters are no longer considered an urgent public health priority in Lebanon.
