Minister of Public Health Wael Abu Faour demonstrates a heat scanner at the airport in BeirutBeirut, December 10 - A recent mission of the World Health Organization (WHO) took place from 8 to 10 December 2014 to Lebanon, to assess the country’s preparedness and readiness measures for Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak.

The mission was a good opportunity for the Ministry of Public Health and concerned stakeholders to improve Lebanon’s preparedness to control and manage public health emergencies of international concern.

It also identified areas of concern for stepping up national preparedness for EVD. The mission recommended remedial measures to strengthen capacities for mitigation of risk of spread and transmission of EVD. The mission appreciated the high level of awareness and engagement of the Lebanese authorities especially the Ministry of Public health and the measures implemented to advance the level of preparedness. The mission recommended further formalization of the coordination structures with various non health structures, more development of the risk communication strategy, and further harmonization of national contingency plans.