In cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Lebanon, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with Seed Global Health, has launched the “Environmental Health Capacity and Awareness Strengthening in Primary Healthcare Facilities” project. This initiative aims to empower healthcare workers at selected Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCCs) across Lebanon by addressing the growing challenges of climate-related health impacts.  

A recent study by the Lebanese Red Cross Climate Center found that climate change will have an important health impact in Lebanon. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events can lead to heat-related health risks, heatstroke, dehydration, or death which are higher in urban areas. Furthermore, climate change in Lebanon is expected to exacerbate water scarcity and quality due to increased droughts, intensified precipitation variability, and disrupted agriculture, leading to higher risks of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and food insecurity, further straining the already fragile healthcare systems. 

The project, which will run from 2 January 2025 to 30 April 2025, is aligned with the Ministry of Public Health’s National Strategy and leverages interdisciplinary expertise to build resilience within the health sector. 

Dr. Firas Abiad, the Minister of Public Health in Lebanon stated: “Public, private and peripheral hospitals have proven their critical role during the Lebanese conflict, not only in providing care but also in addressing the broader health needs of the population. While the priority for international support to Lebanon remains the health sector, we must seize this opportunity to advance in all areas, including environmental health. Strengthening environmental health measures will ensure that facilities across Lebanon can provide safer, and more sustainable healthcare services. A resilient health system integrates environmental health into its foundations to safeguard the well-being of both residents of the region and the Lebanese population.”

Dr. Vanessa Kerry, CEO of Seed Global Health, said, “Health workers are our frontline defense against the impacts of climate change on health and it is crucial they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to better understand and respond to these impacts. Seed Global Health is proud to partner with IOM and others to ensure people in Lebanon and elsewhere are better protected against the growing threat of climate change on health.” 

The project emphasizes a phased approach, beginning with a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of PHCC staff regarding environmental health and climate change. Findings will inform tailored training programs, equipping healthcare workers with the tools and skills to respond effectively to climate-health challenges. Key activities include developing gender-sensitive and equity-focused survey tools, engaging stakeholders, and gathering actionable data to bridge gaps in preparedness and capacity. 

The project will be supported by technical experts from global and academic institutions, including the University of Melbourne and its Climate CATCH Lab, and involves active collaboration with local stakeholders such as the Ministry of Public Health, PHCC managers, and NGOs. 

“The intersection of climate change and health is an area where we must act quickly, to be prepared for the challenges that will come. IOM is proud to launch this initiative alongside our partners that will equip the Lebanese health sector with the tools they need to meet these challenges and support a healthier future for all people they serve,” explained Mathieu Luciano, IOM Head of Office for Lebanon. [GA1] 

About the Project 

This initiative reflects IOM’s commitment to addressing the intersection of climate change and health. The project’s key deliverables include a finalized needs assessment report, recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives, and a roadmap for sustained environmental health interventions. 

About Seed Global Health 

Seed Global Health partners with governments, health professional schools, hospitals, and clinics to educate health workers, strengthen the quality of health services, and support policies that enable health professionals to deliver high-quality services to those in need. To date, Seed Global Health has trained more than 45,000 health workers who work in health facilities serving over 76 million people. 

For more information, please contact: 
Communications Officer, IOM Lebanon 
(Name), (Email Address), (Phone Number) 
 
 [GA1]Moved Mathieu's quote here since having three together above was too much. It could also be deleted.