Explosions Disrupt Lebanon's Health Sector

Explosions from booby-trapped radios and pagers in Lebanon this week have caused significant casualties and disrupted the country's fragile health sector, with reports indicating 37 fatalities and over 3,000 injuries. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the blasts occurred in areas controlled by Hezbollah, placing immense pressure on the health system. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the distribution of blood supplies and trauma kits to aid the response, while WHO emergencies chief Mike Ryan emphasized the urgency of the situation. Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO's representative in Lebanon, noted that 100 hospitals were involved in the emergency response, aided by pre-attack drills and stockpiled supplies that helped limit casualties. In related news, Tedros mentioned rising mpox cases in Africa and the WHO's plan to send supplies to the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also highlighting a decline in Guinea Worm cases globally. The situation in Lebanon underscores the ongoing challenges faced by its healthcare system amidst crisis.