25 September 2025, Beirut, Lebanon – The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by the Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction (PIVI), launched the 2025 national influenza vaccination campaign today at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Public Health.
The campaign aims to protect Lebanon’s most vulnerable populations from seasonal influenza and marks an important step towards institutionalizing influenza vaccination within the national health system.
In her speech at the launch, Dr Randa Hamadeh, Head of the Primary Healthcare Department at the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized the campaign’s role in enhancing immunization services provided to the most vulnerable groups and reiterated the Ministry's commitment to ensuring vaccines reach health centres.
Minister of Public Health Dr Rakan Nassereddine said that “the campaign represents an essential preventive step to protect society, especially those most at risk, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and health care workers”.
“Thanks to close collaboration with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and with support from the PIVI initiative which provided vaccines, we are working to strengthen health preparedness and reduce the burden on the health system. Prevention remains our first step toward a healthier and safer society”.
At the launch, WHO Representative in Lebanon Dr Abdinasir Abubakar highlighted the ability of Lebanon’s health system to reach vulnerable groups during last year’s campaign despite the challenges posed by conflict, displacement and supply chain disruptions.
“Even in war, Lebanon showed that essential health services can reach the most vulnerable,” said Dr Abubakar. “Protecting the vulnerable is not optional, it is lifesaving and cost-effective.”
For the first time, the campaign will involve collaboration with private sector partners to support vaccine delivery and data collection, paving the way for the development of a national influenza vaccination policy and integration of seasonal vaccines into Lebanon’s routine immunization calendar.
“Starting next year, the Ministry of Public Health is expected to fully lead this campaign,” Dr Abubakar added. “WHO will continue to provide technical support and ensure vaccine safety, standing alongside Lebanon on the path to a resilient and inclusive health system.”
Following the official launch, the Minister of Public Health and Dr Abubakar administered influenza vaccinations to several health care workers and vulnerable individuals on-site, underlining the campaign’s commitment to action and protection.
Members of the press were invited to attend and help amplify the campaign message –
Protect Yourself. Protect Others. Get Vaccinated.
