WHO Lebanon convenes first national consultation on drowning prevention

21 July 2025, Beirut, Lebanon – WHO Lebanon hosted the inaugural national consultation on drowning prevention to present key findings from the Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention and discuss how global evidence can guide national strategies.

Though global drowning deaths declined by 38% between 2000 and 2021, over 300 000 lives were still lost to drowning in 2021. In Lebanon, 36 drowning-related fatalities have already been reported in 2025.

Strengthening logistics management at Lebanon’s medical warehouses

3 July 2025, Beirut, Lebanon – The World Health Organization (WHO), in close partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), has upgraded and equipped the Karantina medical supplies warehouse with essential digital tools and infrastructure. The initiative is part of WHO’s broader commitment to modernizing Lebanon’s health care infrastructure.

With generous European Union (EU) support, the project has delivered ICT equipment, including laptops, printers and desktop computers, needed for the seamless implementation of the Logistics Management System (LMS). This advanced platform allows for improved real-time inventory tracking, streamlined communication between facilities and more data-driven decision-making in the management of critical medical supplies.

Empowered by EU funding, the initiative enables MoPH staff to:

operate the LMS more effectively and confidently;

ensure timely, accurate and consistent monthly data entry; and

enhance logistical coordination and mobility between the Karantina warehouse and the Lebanese University warehouse in Hadath.

Integrating the Karantina warehouse into the national LMS network not only strengthens Lebanon’s health care supply chain, it also boosts resilience and transparency at a time when they are most needed.

This strategic collaboration between WHO, MoPH and the EU showcases how coordinated international support can lead to sustainable improvements in public health infrastructure.

Together, we are building a more efficient, responsive and digitally connected health care system for Lebanon – one better prepared to meet the needs of all its people.