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Service for Foreign Policy Instruments
News article14 August 2020Service for Foreign Policy Instruments

Emergency support to Lebanon’s public hospitals

On 12 August, the EU signed an agreement to provide EUR 3.6 million in emergency support to Lebanon’s public health system with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The practical implementation of additional capacity for Lebanon’s hospitals to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic had started already several months ago. This support has become even more critical as a result of the catastrophic blast in Beirut on 4 August.

In the current context, reducing the pressure on the national health system not only relieves pressure on Lebanon’s public health system, but also serves to sustain inter-community coherence and stability. The support forms part of the EU’s #TeamEurope response to the global pandemic. Concretely, the EU’s contribution increases the availability of hospital beds for COVID-19 cases across the country through the addition of more than 550 beds, as well as 69 ICU beds. These beds are available to those in need, regardless of nationality. The tragic explosions in Beirut increased the need for additional capacity in the public health system to cater for all those who require critically-needed healthcare. As many hospitals in Beirut suffered damage in the blast, the EU is currently preparing an increase of its support with a particular focus on expanding hospital capacity.For more information on the EU’s presence in Lebanon, please see:

EU Delegation in Lebanon
UNHCR Lebanon

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Details

Publication date
14 August 2020
Author
Service for Foreign Policy Instruments