HI thanks the Lebanon Ministry of Health for its leadership and support

HI was honored to welcome Lebanon's Minister of Health to a shelter in Beirut where HI, under the Ministry's leadership, delivers emergency response to displaced persons.

On 22 April 2026, His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Rakan Naser El Dine, accompanied by Dr. Randa Hamadeh, Director of Social Health Services and the Primary Health Care Department and Mr. Michael Haddad, Neuro-Adaptive Athlete, Motivational Speaker, and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, visited Bir Hassan Shelter in Beirut where HI, under the leadership of the Ministry, provides emergency response and essential services - including assistive devices - to persons with disabilities and older persons.

"As Lebanon continues to face unprecedented pressures on its health system, initiatives like this demonstrate how targeted, high-impact interventions can make a meaningful difference. Supporting those in shelters with assistive devices is essential to preserving both health and human dignity".

Dr. Rakan Naser El Dine, Minister of Public Health, Lebanon

The visit provided the opportunity to observe on-the-ground conditions at the shelter and to engage directly with displaced persons with disabilities and older persons, who had to flee the conflict. The visit highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Ministry and HI to integrate disability-responsive services.

The presence of the Minister and senior Ministry officials alongside HI's field team reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not overlooked within Lebanon's broader humanitarian and health response.

"From a primary health care perspective, addressing disability must be embedded within routine services rather than treated as a parallel effort. In the current Lebanese context, ensuring access to assistive devices through PHC is a practical, high-impact step toward more equitable and person-centered care".

Dr. Randa Hamadeh: Director of Social Health Services and the Primary Health Care Department

The visit also featured the participation of Michael Haddad, whose presence underscored the importance of lived experience in advocating for inclusive policy and practice.

"As someone who has experienced the life-changing impact of the right support, I know that assistive devices are not just tools - they are gateways to independence and livelihood. In Lebanon today, we must ensure that primary health care includes everyone, especially those who need it most. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the foundations and partners driving this mission forward - particularly HI, UN agencies, and the Healthy Habitat Association - whose collaboration continues to turn inclusion from an idea into a reality."

Michael Haddad: Neuro-Adaptive Athlete, Inclusion Advocate, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador

The visit brought together key stakeholders committed to advancing disability inclusion. During the visit, 58 assistive devices and items tailored to specific needs were distributed, along with more than 150 hygiene kits. These distributions aim to enhance mobility, independence, and daily functioning for persons with disabilities and older persons in the shelter.

"We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health for its continued efforts in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. We welcome the opportunity for strengthened collaboration in this area and look forward to the sustainable integration of disability within primary health care services."

Nahed Al-Khlouf, Humanity & Inclusion, Country Director