Syria and Lebanon’s diverging yet connected struggles

This is article no. 4 in a series about global health injustices. Previous article: Yemen- a neglected humanitarian crisis. Next article: Injustices in conflicted Kashmir.

Introduction

Welcome to the fourth article of the Global Health Injustices Series. The previous article discussed Yemen, specifically how the health and well-being of the population are affected by the intricate geopolitics at play. In this article, I collaborated with Jana Antar, to discuss Syria and Lebanon. Although these countries border one another, they encounter distinct challenges. Similar to previous articles, the health and wellbeing of the Syrian and Lebanese people are hindered by the inequities and inequalities stemming primarily from warfare.

Impact of war on healthcare: Syria's deliberate destruction

Since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the country’s healthcare system has been systematically dismantled. Beyond the direct casualties of war, the destruction of hospitals, clinics, and medical supply chains has led to a secondary crisis, one where preventable deaths become inevitable. Between 2011 and 2020, Physicians for Human Rights documented nearly 600 attacks on healthcare facilities. The deliberate targeting of hospitals and medical personnel has rendered healthcare not just a casualty of war, but a weapon of war itself (Figure 1).

This destruction has had catastrophic consequences. Maternal and infant mortality rates have soared, vaccination coverage has plummeted, and chronic disease management has become nearly impossible. In the northwest of Syria, where displaced populations reside in makeshift camps, infectious diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis continue to spread due to poor sanitation and lack of medical oversight. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated these challenges, whereby 46% of reported cases in Northwest Syria resulted in death due to the collapse of medical infrastructure.

As of early 2025, only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary healthcare centres in Syria remain fully functional. The remaining facilities operate under severe constraints due to damage from attacks and resource shortages. In 2024 alone, there were 77 attacks on healthcare facilities, further disrupting access to trauma care, maternal health, and treatment for chronic illnesses. Overcrowding in displacement camps and poor sanitation have also heightened the risk of outbreaks such as tuberculosis, making urgent intervention critical (Figure 2). 

Impact of war on healthcare: Lebanon's fragile healthcare system

Lebanon, a country once regarded as a regional medical hub, has borne the brunt of Syria’s refugee crisis. With an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees seeking shelter within its borders, the country has faced a 50% surge in demand for healthcare services. The healthcare system, already strained before the crisis, has since crumbled under the weight of economic collapse, political instability, and donor fatigue.

The Lebanese economic crisis, which began in 2019, had devastating effects on healthcare delivery. The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value, placing essential medical supplies out of reach for hospitals and individuals. Pharmacies frequently run out of life-saving medications, power outages disrupt critical care units, and the departure of healthcare professionals has left hospitals understaffed.

The situation has worsened due to escalating hostilities, starting from the south of Lebanon and later expanding, displacing over 112,000 people as of February 2025. The violence has led to the closure of 130 primary health centres and seven hospitals, with 15 out of 153 hospitals either non-functional or operating at reduced capacity. In Nabatieh Governorate alone, 40% of hospital bed capacity has been lost. 

Attacks on health workers and facilities continued to mount between January and November 2024, when 137 attacks were reported, nearly half of which resulted in fatalities. These disruptions create a ripple effect, limiting immediate medical care and undermining public health initiatives such as vaccination programs and maternal health services.

NGOs: the last line of defence

In the face of government inaction, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have become the backbone of healthcare provision in Syria and Lebanon. International and local NGOs have mobilised to provide vaccination campaigns, mental health support, and medical supplies to those in need.

For example, WHO and UNICEF have facilitated vaccination drives, reaching 250,000 children under five years old, 30% of whom were displaced Syrians. However, while NGOs have played a crucial role in mitigating healthcare crises, their efforts remain primarily reactive rather than systemic and preventative, addressing immediate needs without long-term sustainability, and not adequately focusing on precautionary measures to avoid these undesirable situations.

In fact, NGOs face mounting challenges. The overwhelming demand for services, lack of sustainable funding, and security threats have made it increasingly difficult for organisations to operate. Moreover, while NGOs are stretched in their deliverables, the humanitarian workers encounter frequent targeting, making their mission even more perilous.

Conclusion: the role of the international community

The crises in Syria and Lebanon are not isolated events; they are a reflection of global health injustices that demand international attention and intervention. Providing short-term aid is no longer enough, so long-term solutions must be prioritised to rebuild these destroyed healthcare systems. Moreover, de-escalating both crises would improve health outcomes for the vulnerable communities in Syria and Lebanon.

The next article will focus on the population in conflicted Kashmir; addressing their injustices is crucial because of the profound impact and lack of coverage in mainstream discussions.     

Written by Jana Antar and Sam Jarada

Related article: Understanding health through different stances

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