The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the majority of hospitals in Lebanon will not be able to function by the end of this week because of a chronic shortage of fuel. WHO said fuel must be allowed to get through, otherwise the human death toll will rise significantly.

Essential services, such as theatres, incubators for babies, refrigerators for drugs and vaccines will cease to function very soon.

For two-thirds of the country’s hospitals the only way to get electricity now is from fuel-run generators – the conflict has destroyed their mains electricity supply, says WHO.

Military operations in many parts of the country are making it virtually impossible for fuel supplies to get through.

A local WHO spokesman said that over half of all hospitals will cease to function this week, and many more next week if the fuel issue is not addressed. “We urge all parties to ensure safe passage of fuel supplies to hospitals,” he said.

WHO stressed that the problem is not lack of fuel, there is plenty of it. The problem is ensuring security so that its people can get it to the hospitals.

WHO added that there is also a serious shortage of oxygen and food for patients and staff.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today