The current conflict in Lebanon has resulted in hundreds of Lebanese civilians losing their lives, thousands more injured and approximately 1 million people displaced from their homes. The number of displaced people accounts for nearly a quarter of the entire country’s population of almost 4 million. WHO along with other relief agencies have been struggling to get supplies through to the affected population. Perhaps most urgent among the list of humanitarian health needs is the need for medicines and medical supplies. Lebanon is a country where noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension are common. It is vital that treatment for these conditions and many others is made available to refugees and everyone else affected by the conflict.
However, WHO stresses that the donations of medicines must comply with the established guidelines. The main principles of these guidelines are as follows:
• Donations should be of maximum benefit to the recipient
• Respect for the wishes and authority of the recipient should be ensured
• There should be no double standards in quality
• An effective level of communication between the donor and the recipient should be maintained
Adherence to these guidelines, along with a standardized supply, will facilitate the distribution and use of these medicines and prevent the wasting of resources. WHO is urging all donors to access the following link for a more detailed explanation of the guidelines. The link also includes a comprehensive list of the medicines most needed by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.