During times of war, the health sector undeniably faces significant challenges.

Interruptions in care, overwhelmed emergency services, and targeted violence against medical facilities create an environment where healthcare takes the backseat. In this interview, Dr. Faysal El Kak, emphasizes how, during conflicts, the health needs of individuals often become secondary to immediate survival.

‘It’s always a given that under conflict, war, and natural disasters, the health sector is seriously affected. Unfortunately, healthcare goes down the priority list during crisis.’ – outlined Dr. El Kak.

Impact on Maternal Care and Pregnancy

Among the most affected areas of healthcare during crises is maternal care, given the delicate nature of pregnancy, which makes it particularly vulnerable to the disruptions of conflict.

Dr. El Kak noted a concerning trend in the past three weeks: women are increasingly unable to attend clinic appointments due to safety issues.

To adapt, healthcare providers have turned to telehealth solutions, similar to what was done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We use WhatsApp and other online tools to offer care, which isn’t ideal” Dr. El Kak explains. “When urgent needs arise, we strive to relocate patients or connect them with nearby facilities.”

The psychological toll of conflict cannot be overlooked – in fact, the stress and anxiety experienced by expectant mothers can lead to mental health issues, which pose additional risks to both mother and child.

For couples seeking to conceive, the situation can be even more challenging. Many have had to pause IVF cycles, halting medications and putting their dreams of parenthood on hold. Some even find themselves navigating the complexities of shipping frozen embryos abroad.

SRHR: A Pressing Concern

Similarly to maternal health, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) often become marginalized during crises.

“In times of conflict, issues related to SRHR, including maternal care and access to contraceptives, are typically the first to suffer” Dr. El Kak notes.

Recognizing this urgent need, Dr. El Kak, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Medicine at the American University of Beirut (AUB) have mobilized to raise awareness around SRHR. By training 520 social workers and frontline responders, they aim to empower these individuals to address the needs of displaced communities effectively.

“There is a common misconception that SRHR is not important because it doesn’t have direct physical health impacts that can directly lead to death” Dr. El Kak mentioned – ‘However, in this context, SRHR awareness covers issues such as bleeding during pregnancy, ectopic pregnancies, infections and so on, which can all be direct repercussions of lack of awareness.’

These training sessions cover crucial topics such as family planning and maternal health, equipping participants to identify vulnerabilities and promote health within their communities. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach, integrating mental health practices and utilizing engaging methods to reach a broader audience.

Looking Ahead

Following the escalation we have witnessed in recent weeks, it’s clear that certain health issues will be prioritized while others may be overlooked.

“The response has been chaotic and unorganized due to the overwhelming scale of the crisis,” Dr. El Kak observes. With one-fifth of the Lebanese population displaced, effective planning becomes increasingly challenging.

The current government’s inability to address these urgent needs raises questions about the future of healthcare in times of crisis – a seemingly reoccurring topic over the last five years. Without a stable, democratically elected government, sustainable solutions to providing essential needs in health are impossible to foster.

Tala Nassif

Tala Nassif holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in Development Studies – Labour, Activism, and Global Commodity Chains – from SOAS University of London. Specialized in international development and economic empowerment, Tala currently serves as a Senior Research Assistant at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB.