Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIRUT, May 29 (Xinhua) — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will stop providing health care to some 1.5 million Syrian refugees living in Lebanon from November due to a significant funding cut, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NIA) reported.
The cessation of medical services was announced during a meeting between a UNHCR delegation led by the office’s representative in Lebanon, Ivo Freissen, and Lebanon’s Minister of Health, Rakan Nassereldin.
I. Freysen said there were plans to gradually reduce support for several primary health care centres due to reduced contributions from international donors.
R. Nassereldin urged the international community to fulfil its humanitarian obligations towards vulnerable groups.
Lebanon saw a new wave of displacement less than three months ago, the minister said, so the number of refugees remains very high compared to the size of the country and the ability of its health system to bear the additional burden.
He also pointed to the key role of UNHCR, which, together with Lebanon and other international actors, is seeking sustainable solutions to ensure refugees have continued access to health care, in particular through support to primary health care centres.
Lebanon has one of the highest per capita numbers of Syrian refugees in the world. Despite regime change and the recent easing of U.S. sanctions, Syria remains vulnerable to security threats and the deteriorating economic situation further complicates repatriation and reintegration efforts. –0–