MSF Statement: UNHCR suspension of health coverage in Lebanon
"We are deeply worried by UNHCR’s decision to suspend its coverage of hospitalisation care and primary healthcare to Syrians residing in Lebanon due to significant funding cuts. The end of these services will effectively sever a critical lifeline for many who rely on these services for survival and leave tens of thousands of Syrian families who are already facing challenges in accessing healthcare services in more dire need for assistance.
Like other sectors in the country, the healthcare system in Lebanon was already exhausted in the past years by severe economic and political turmoil. Local health centres, that were already at capacity, are now faced with increasing pressure while they try to contend with the repercussions of the war on the health system.
The general global decline in funding for humanitarian programs is concerning. Coming against a backdrop of drastic reduction in foreign aid by the US administration, this decision lays bare the growing toll on vulnerable communities who are being left with fewer and fewer options for their basic, human needs. No other actor alone can possibly cover the huge gap in healthcare provision to Syrians in Lebanon that UNHCR covers."
- Lou Cormack, MSF Head of Mission in Lebanon