Japan and UNOPS improved critical public services for vulnerable people in Lebanon [EN/AR]

Beirut, March 24, 2025 – The Embassy of Japan, the Ministry of Public Health, and UNOPS convened to celebrate the completion of the project for strengthening the operational capacity of critical public facilities to provide essential health and water services.

The “Urgent Energy and Capacity Support to Critical Lifesaving Services” project delivered critical medical equipment and energy-saving solutions to ten hospitals across Lebanon. Five hospitals received vital medical equipment and the other five hospitals were equipped with over 8,700 LED lights. The project positively impacted over 217,000 people across Lebanon, namely; in South, Nabatieh, North, Mount Lebanon, and Beqaa governorates.

Amid the escalation of conflict in Lebanon, the dire humanitarian situation has further exacerbated, particularly in the south of Lebanon. The provision of the critically needed medical equipment contributed towards significantly enhancing the public healthcare system and supporting the vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons.

The provision of water supply has also been severely compromised due to the shortage of electricity required to operate water facilities. Under the project, UNOPS installed a solar system to power a water pumping station, improving access to water for residents in Ain Arab, Beqaa governorate.

Mr. Masayuki Magoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon, stated: “Japan’s continued support to governmental hospitals in Lebanon through UNOPS reflects our commitment to bolstering the capacities and improving the resilience of the public healthcare sector in the face of the profound socio-economic and security challenges. As we look to the future, the Japanese Government remains determined to the provision of sustainable solutions that ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential medical care, with enhanced accessibility and reliability for vulnerable communities.”

The Lebanese Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereldine, said: “Thanks to the invaluable support of the People and Government of Japan, this project has equipped our critical facilities with medical equipment, sustainable renewable energy and energy-saving solutions. This not only bolsters our immediate operational capacity to deliver life-saving health and water services but also builds greater resilience within our public infrastructure for the long term, benefiting vulnerable communities for years to come.”

”Lebanon and its people have been significantly affected by numerous multifaceted crises. UNOPS values its strong partnership with the Government of Japan and remains committed to supporting the resilience of the Lebanese people. Our successful collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health corroborates strengthening of the health sector’s capacities in the delivery of vital services and contributes to addressing the critical needs in Lebanon while ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to quality healthcare.” said Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman.

The project intended to contribute to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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About UNOPS:

UNOPS offers practical solutions to the UN and other partners, across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org

UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman implements projects in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and implements work in partnership with bilateral and multilateral donors, national governments and other UN agencies.

For Press Inquiries, please contact:

Anwar Abu Sakieneh, Communications Specialist (UNOPS)

Mobile number: +962 7 9902 6315 AnwarAB@unops.org or +962 6 5902122