Scopes of cooperation between the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health in Lebanon

Abstract

The first cooperative efforts toward international action were made in the twentieth century in order to prevent the spread of diseases from one region to another. The subsequent institutionalization of these efforts gave birth to the World Health Organization. As the necessity for a single worldwide health system came to be recognized and felt as a pressing need to preserve the highest standards of health, WHO was seen as a way to satisfy this need. Also, the concept of "health for all", embodied by WHO, is fundamental to the attainment of peace, welfare and security of nations. The assumption of the full burden in the field of health by WHO is not feasible ; such a policy is beyond its available resources. This is why the collaboration of WHO's regional offices with the concerned governments is seen as a must. In Lebanon, the civil war thet took place weakened the role of the government in the field of health while the private sector and the non-governmental organizations assumed an active role. As war ended, the Ministry of Health sought to strengthen its institutional capacities and to increase the degree of coperation with health organizations and NGOs. Joint programs between the Ministry of Health and WHO aim to control the spread of certain diseases, to treat illnesses, and to increase the awareness of the Lebanese population. The study focuses on four major joint programs: The National AIDS Control Program, The Non-Communicable Diseases Program, The Expanded Program on Immunization, and The Tobacco Control Program. In addition, a series of recommendations is provided based on weaknesses and failures detected in the elaboration and implementation of these programs. Finally it is crucial to note that the shortage of accurate information related to health constitutes a major limitation of the project.