WHO allocates $2 million in emergency aid to Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria

(Patria) - The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday that it has allocated two million dollars from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) to support the health response in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Reuters reported.

The conflict has caused mass population movements, the WHO said last week, estimating that more than 100,000 people have relocated in Iran, and up to 700,000 people are internally displaced in Lebanon.

Lebanon has been allocated one million dollars to strengthen WHO emergency coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, enhance trauma care, bolster disease surveillance, and procure and distribute essential medicines and medical supplies, the agency's statement said.

Iraq and Syria have each been allocated $500,000 to support emergency coordination and mass casualty management, procure and distribute essential medicines and supplies, provide health services to displaced populations, and strengthen disease surveillance and community outreach.

"At a time when health services are already facing significant challenges, support is essential to sustain frontline health workers and maintain critical care services," said Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.