The Minister of Public Health Dr. Jamil Jabak signed a memorandum of understanding and collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) represented by Pablo Percelsi, the ICRC’s deputy head of delegation in Lebanon. The memorandum aims at improving the prosthetics services to the persons with disabilities.

In a statement, Minister Jabak expressed appreciation for this further collaboration with the Red Cross, since it will ensure the exchange of expertise in favor of the patients in need of prosthetics. He also acknowledged the humane efforts of the Red Cross in Lebanon, stressing that the Ministry is looking forward to further joint collaboration.

Percelsi noted that the International Committee is glad to sign the memorandum of understanding, especially that the prosthetics are considered as a main factor to restore hope and dignity of the people who lost a part of their body. He added that the new program reflects the continuing collaboration with the ministry and thanked Minister Jabak for his support in this field.

The Memorandum of understanding stipulates the support to Lebanon in the development of standards for prosthetics and orthotics through a benchmark study on the international standards that facilitate the access to the mobility equipment. It aims at ensuring the prosthetic and orthotic services in Lebanon are in conformity with the 2017 WHO standards for prosthetics and orthotics. The project is expected to lead to a benchmark statement for the prosthetic and orthotic services in Lebanon, which would result in a regional report on the development of the sector.