Lebanese Health Minister: US Threatens to Cut Funds to WHO If It Delivers Vaccines to Children in South

Translated by Staff, Agencies

Lebanese Health Minister Jamil Jabak told al-Joumhouriya Newspaper that the US embassy denying him a visa deprived him from participating in the Inclusive Health Coverage Conference organized by the World Health Organization to boost the free initial care program, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

“I wanted to explain the Lebanese experience in the field of initial care, and it was scheduled that I deliver a speech before the world health ministers regarding the Lebanese people’s suffering on the health sector’s level as a result of the Syrian refugees’ presence, but the US veto on the visa hindered this opportunity,” Jabak added.

He further uncovered that the Americans are fighting all health programs offered by donor countries to thwart the efforts he is making for the ministry. Jabak further noted that they are pressurizing many sides to stop their health aids offered to Lebanon.

“The Americans even threatened the WHO that they would stop their financial contribution in case the organization offered vaccines to children in south Lebanon,” Jabak noted.