As climate threats intensify across Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Seed Global Health, and the University of Melbourne, launched the findings of the Climate, Environment, and Health Needs Assessment for Lebanon’s Primary Healthcare Workforce.

Lebanon is already experiencing rising temperatures, declining air and water quality, and climate-driven displacement all impacting public health. The assessment surveyed healthcare workers and educators nationwide to evaluate their readiness to address these growing challenges. While awareness is high, climate-related issues remain largely absent from clinical training, health consultations, and education curricula.

At the launch event in Beirut that occurred on July 29, government officials, academics, and international partners came together to chart a path forward.

“Climate change is a public health crisis, and this research gives us the foundation to act. IOM is committed to working with partners to help Lebanon build inclusive, climate-smart health systems,” said Dr. Joseph Zgheib, speaking on behalf of IOM Lebanon.

“This study shows that health workers are willing to lead on climate, but they need training, tools, and support. It’s a critical starting point for building resilient health systems,” added Dr. Vanessa Kerry, CEO and Co-Founder of Seed Global Health.

Dr. Patricia Schwerdtle of the University of Melbourne presented the findings, highlighting the need for flexible training, updated curricula, facility-level sustainability efforts, and stronger institutional support.

Representing Minister of Public Health Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, Dr. Nadeen Hilal emphasized the ministry’s ongoing reforms, including solarizing primary healthcare centers and expanding oxygen systems.

“These are not future risks, they are already here. We must ensure our health workforce is equipped and ready to lead,” she said.

The event confirmed the strong willingness of Lebanon’s healthcare workforce to act on climate, provided they have the right tools and support.

“Health workers are ready to lead, but they need the right support,” said Dr. Joyce Haddad, Director of Preventive Healthcare at MoPH.

The Ministry committed to forming a multisectoral steering committee to advance the recommendations. The initiative builds on Seed Global Health’s and IOM’s growing collaboration with Lebanon’s health sector to strengthen climate resilience and system readiness.

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 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.