Beirut, Lebanon
Wednesday, 8 February 2023 – The Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Al-Mawlawi, the Norwegian Ambassador, Martin Yttervik and Representative of the World Health Organization Office in Lebanon, Dr Abdinasir Abubakar, launched the second phase of a project aimed at strengthening the prison health system and access to health services in Lebanon’s central prisons and women prisons.
In this context, His Excellency the Minister of Interior and Municipalities mentioned that health in prison is a basic human right. “We would like to express our gratitude to WHO and the Norway Embassy for your support in improving the health conditions in Lebanese prisons. Any collaboration makes a difference. The Ministry of Interior and Municipalities is committed to providing basic needs for prisoners including health care and to improving their condition in line with human rights”, expressed the Minister Judge Bassam Al-Mawlawi.
“The terrible health conditions in prisons are a major concern. We hope Norway’s support will further strengthen the health system in prisons and that the learnings from this programme can help improve the national health system to the benefit of everyone in Lebanon”, said the Norwegian Ambassador Martin Yttervik.
As mentioned in the United Nations Mandela Rules, “prisoners should enjoy the same standards of health care that are available in the community and should have access to necessary health care services free of charge without discrimination on the grounds of their legal status.”
Through this project, WHO will continue to work closely with the Internal Security Forces to support Roumieh Central Prison in providing a comprehensive health assessment and services and follow-up for prisoners via a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and social workers, in line with the national protocols of care. Special emphasis will be given to prisoners with chronic conditions including mental disorders and those aged 50 years and above. Through Norway’s support, and in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, the Roumieh medical centre was integrated in the national Primary Health Care network in 2022. Under this project, the health care service support will be extended to the other central prisons (Zahle and Qobbe) and to women’s prisons. Another important component of the project also includes equipping health clinics in central prisons and women’s prisons with basic medical equipment and supplies.
This project complements other health projects implemented by WHO including early detection and management of prison inmates with COVID-19 or cholera as well as coverage of hospitalization for inmates with COVID-19 or other severe acute life-threatening diseases.
“Since the start of COVID-19, WHO has been supporting Lebanese prisons to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on prisoners and their families as well as on prison personnel. WHO is committed to continue its support for improving access and availability of essential health services to the prison population, so that no one is left behind”, said the WHO Acting Representative in Lebanon, Dr Abdinasir Abubakar.
World Health Organization
WHO directs and coordinates health within the United Nations system. WHO’s mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. For more information about WHO Lebanon, visit http://www.emro.who.int/countries/lbn/index.html