The Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the European Union launched July 9, a project to support public healthcare.

The value of the project reached $27 million. It will be implemented by UNHCR, the refugee agency of the United Nations, in partnership with World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the International Relief and Development organization, and International Alert.

The project aims to alleviate the impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon by strengthening the public healthcare system’s capacity to manage diseases. It also aims to provide quality healthcare services, and ensure adequate provision of vaccines and medications throughout the country.

Angelina Eichhorst, who heads the local Delegation of the European Union, said: "The health sector needs are very high in the country - and these needs existed even before the crisis in Syria began – but the impact of this crisis has left a dire need for support.”

Through this project, over 180 existing primary healthcare centers will benefit from medical equipment and improved availability of chronic and essential medications and vaccines.

Healthcare providers will be trained on key topics including early warning and reporting of communicable diseases, maternal and childcare, chronic disease management and mental health. Eight laboratories in governmental hospitals will be supported with medical equipment and staff to help control disease outbreaks.

Organisations working in the healthcare sector will be trained to better monitor the health problems at the source and adapt their programs accordingly.