Critical Care in Lebanon: What You Need to Know

Following the November 2024 ceasefire, Project HOPE shifted its focus from emergency response activities to health system strengthening so we could provide sustainable support to communities recovering from a complex, multifaceted crisis.

>>Learn about Project HOPE’s Response

>>Read our latest Situation Report for our Lebanon Response

>>News Alert: Project HOPE Launches Emergency Response in Lebanon

>>Project HOPE Welcomes Ceasefire in Lebanon

What is happening in Lebanon? 

The Israeli military and Hezbollah exchanged airstrikes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. On September 23, 2024, the Israeli military launched airstrikes throughout southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh after a week of escalation that started with a two-day wireless device explosion attack in Lebanon and a significant increase in airstrikes from both parties. 

September 23 was the deadliest day of violence in Lebanon since 2006, with nearly 500 people killed, including women, children, and humanitarian workers. 

On September 29, 2024, the Israeli military initiated a ground offensive into southern Lebanon, supported by continuous naval and air strikes. The operation marked a significant escalation in hostilities between Israeli forces and armed groups in the region and caused further displacement and an intensification of humanitarian needs. Around 800 shelters — primarily public schools — were designated by the Lebanese government to receive IDPs in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates.

Following the November 2024 ceasefire and multiple mass displacements, health facilities in Lebanon need support, especially equipment, medical supplies, rehabilitation, and mental health and WASH capacity to meet the needs of families attempting to recover. In the immediate aftermath, children were reeling from the disruption to their daily routines, the damage to their communities, and the loss of their sense of safety. As communities recover and stabilize, access to health services is a necessity.

What is Project HOPE’s response? 

Since the ceasefire, Project HOPE has been able to:

• Reach over 4,800 people through a community outreach program to promote noncommunicable and chronic disease prevention and healthy lifestyle changes. More than 300 people have been referred for follow-ups at primary health facilities.
• Reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in affected areas by collaborating with the humanitarian sector cluster to set up water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access.
• Provide operational support and supplies to an ICU in Hasbayya so they could re-open and begin treating patients again.
• Support two primary health centers in Baalbek and Al Ghassaniyah, areas heavily affected by the 2024 conflict, to ensure access to essential services. These facilities have since delivered over 12,000 medical consultations — 77% benefitting women and children — improving patient flow, ensuring long-term sustainability all within a nine month period in 2025.
• Train 53 trainers on self-care practices through our Training-of-Trainers sessions, which will have a cascading impact nationwide.

Project HOPE also worked in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health to provide critical medications and emergency trauma supplies to health workers working to treat injuries and save lives. Given that Lebanon’s health system was already weakened prior to the recent escalation, Project HOPE is focused on securing essential medications and medical supplies to strengthen the health system and ensure continuous care for individuals with injuries and chronic conditions.

During the height of the 2024 conflict, Project HOPE:

• Operated a mobile medical unit staffed by dedicated local doctors and nurses
• Provided surge nursing support to a primary health clinic in the Mount Lebanon region
• Finalized the certification of 25 local frontline responders to train their peers in Psychological First Aid
• Distributed hygiene kits, pillows, and winterization supplies to displaced families

We remain committed to coordinating closely with key local actors to streamline efforts, share information effectively, and avoid duplication of humanitarian responses. Project HOPE continues to call for an end to the violence throughout the Middle East in order to protect civilians and enable uninterrupted access to critical health and humanitarian aid.

What are the greatest health needs in Lebanon? 

Lebanon’s health system was at its breaking point even before the latest escalation of violence, including severe shortages of staff, medicines, and equipment.  

People exposed to trauma need mental health support and psychosocial services; displaced families need stability, safety, and health care; and the local health system needs support to ensure it does not collapse. 

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What is Project HOPE’s history in Lebanon? 

In 2020, immediately following the Port of Beirut explosion, Project HOPE launched a response to provide trauma care and psychosocial support through our local partner, Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF). Project HOPE supported local health workers by procuring and distributing medicines, medical supplies, and hygiene supplies. 

This article has last been updated on February 9, 2026