In times of crisis, leadership is not only measured by coordination and response but by presence, empathy and action. In this reflection, the World Health Organization’s Representative in Lebanon shares a first-hand account of the events that unfolded following the devastating explosions of 8 April, offering a deeply human perspective on loss, solidarity and the urgent need to stand together to save lives.
WHO representative in Lebanon Dr Abdinasir Abubaka donating blood at the AUBMC in Beirut
14 April 2026 – As a senior health leader at the World Health Organization, I often remind my team: in times of crisis, we must go beyond commitments; we must stand with people, with evidence and with humanity.
On World Health Day, on 7 April, under the theme “Together for health: Stand with science,” that message felt more urgent than ever.
The very next day, it was tested.
At 14:15 on 8 April, from my office in Beirut, I witnessed what no one should ever see, a series of explosions within minutes. Ten blasts. Ten moments that changed everything. Around me, my colleagues kept working, supporting the Ministry of Public Health and hospitals, even as shock filled the room.
What followed was devastating, lives lost, families shattered, countless injured and many still missing. The scale of destruction was beyond comprehension.
Yet amid the tragedy, something powerful emerged: solidarity.
Within hours, calls for blood donations spread across the country. By 10 April, WHO had already mobilized lifesaving support, delivering trauma, burn and emergency surgery kits to overwhelmed hospitals, helping sustain critical care.
But it did not feel like enough. After completing our emergency response work, I went to the hospital, not as a title but as a human being. To listen. To stand beside the injured. And on the way, I made a stop. At the blood bank.
Leadership is not only about technical support, but also about action.
I did not go as WHO. I went as one of many. I answered an urgent request from hospitals for blood donations as they cope with increasing number of casualties.
Blood donation is truly the greatest gift you can offer another person. Please do not delay, donate blood and help save more lives.
Because in moments like these, we are all simply human, standing together for life”.
