In Lebanon, the ongoing security and energy crisis is threatening essential services. To help, UNOPS will enhance the operational capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces’ health facilities, which play a critical role in the provision of healthcare services.

With funding from the government of Japan, UNOPS will install renewable energy solutions and provide much-needed medical equipment to designated health facilities to support their operations and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services can be provided.

“The continuous support provided by the countries and their peoples to the army is significantly important to ensure our preparedness against all odds,” said Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun.

Japan Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Masayuki Magoshi, added: “Japan believes that now more than ever local and international partners should rally behind the Lebanese army to support it in fulfilling its missions.”

This project will help targeted health facilities provide the needed health services to more than 100,000 active Lebanese Armed Forces personnel, retirees and their families. An expected 400,000 soldiers and their immediate families are expected to indirectly benefit from the project.

At the project signing held on 6 February in Beirut, Muhammad Usman Akram, Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman, said: “We appreciate this new initiative in supporting the critical role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in Lebanon, and for our continued partnership with the government of Japan.”

The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka added: “The importance of a strong and well-resourced Lebanese Armed Forces as integral to the successful implementation of Resolution 1701 (2006) is further underscored by recent developments.”