WHO and EIB announce a €10 million grant to restore Lebanon’s Central Public Health Laboratory and strengthen the country’s health system for resilience.
In a brief but significant meeting at the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Forum in Luxembourg, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director‑General of the World Health Organization, and Thomas Östros, Vice‑President of EIB Global, sealed a €10 million grant aimed at bolstering Lebanon’s public‑health infrastructure.
Re‑establishing the Central Public Health Laboratory
The core of the agreement is the restoration of Lebanon’s Central Public Health Laboratory, a facility that has long served as a diagnostic hub for the nation’s disease‑surveillance network. Funding will cover the refurbishment of laboratory spaces, acquisition of modern testing equipment, and training for local scientists and technicians.
Targeted support for chronic‑disease patients
Beyond the laboratory, the grant earmarks resources for medication procurement and health‑care services directed at more than 50,000 Lebanese citizens living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The initiative seeks to close gaps in treatment continuity, improve access to essential medicines, and strengthen outpatient care pathways.
Implementation and oversight
The WHO will coordinate technical assistance, while the EIB will monitor financial disbursement and project milestones. Both parties emphasized that the funding is a direct response to Lebanon’s mounting health‑system challenges, which have been exacerbated by economic strain and regional instability.
Looking ahead
Stakeholders anticipate that the revived laboratory will enhance disease‑tracking capabilities, enable faster outbreak response, and provide a platform for future health‑system investments. The collaboration marks a concrete step toward stabilising essential health services for vulnerable populations across Lebanon.
0 Comments