Healthcare under fire: a retrospective analysis of a national ngo response during the 2024 conflict in Lebanon

The 2024 conflict in Lebanon triggered widespread internal displacement and placed significant strain on the national health system. This study analyzes the emergency healthcare response of the Health Society during Lebanon's 2024 conflict using a health systems resilience framework and SWOT analysis to inform evidence-based interventions for conflict-affected populations and guide future policy and research.

From September to December 2024, a large Lebanese NGO ("Health Society") scaled up its response by operating 91 facilities, including 48 newly established emergency sites and 43 existing centers. In parallel, 36 mobile medical teams comprising 984 healthcare professionals (254 physicians) were deployed to maintain service continuity. Service utilization data were aggregated and analyzed descriptively.

A total of 588,000 beneficiaries received essential services. Beirut recorded the highest service volume, including 145,523 medication dispensations and 71,276 consultations. Mount Lebanon also showed substantial utilization, while Baalbeck-Hermel accounted for the highest number of psychological consultations (1,130) and surgical procedures (2,076). Environmental risk assessments conducted in 158 displacement centers identified hazards in 30.4% of sites, most commonly unsafe indoor coal use (17.1%). Preventive efforts included vaccination campaigns in 33 displacement schools, reaching 520 children.

The findings highlight the value of combining fixed facilities, mobile outreach, mental health integration, and community-based risk assessments to sustain healthcare access during conflict. While challenges related to geographic inequities, surge staffing, and financial sustainability persist, the response demonstrates how emergency interventions can strengthen health system resilience in crisis settings.