SAMS Urges Protection of Health Workers and Medical Facilities in Lebanon

March 15, 2026

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) expresses deep concern over the recent attacks on healthcare workers and medical facilities in Lebanon.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 14 health workers were killed on March 14. WHO reported that 12 doctors, paramedics, and nurses were killed in a strike on the Bourj Qalaouiyeh Primary Healthcare Centre, while two paramedics were killed earlier the same day in attacks on a health facility in Al Sowana. Since March 2, WHO has verified 27 attacks on healthcare in Lebanon, resulting in 30 deaths and 35 injuries.

“These attacks on healthcare are deeply alarming,” said Dr. Aref Rifai, SAMS President. “The protection of health workers and civilians, and the preservation of access to lifesaving care, must be treated as an urgent priority.”

These incidents come amid a worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon. According to UN and OCHA reporting, more than 773 people had been killed and at least 1,933 injured as of March 13 and more than 800,000 people had been displaced. Among which 130,000 people were staying in collective shelters during the same period, while many others were staying with host communities or in other temporary arrangements. Reports also indicated repeated displacement and rising humanitarian needs as hostilities continued.

SAMS stresses that under international humanitarian law, medical personnel, health facilities, ambulances, and patients must be protected at all times and must never be targeted. Protecting healthcare is essential to preserving lifesaving services and reducing further civilian harm.

SAMS continues to support affected communities in Lebanon through its emergency health response. In addition to operating a Mobile Medical Unit in Jbeil, SAMS runs a Primary Health Care Center in Byblos providing comprehensive primary care services, and a community-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Center in Al-Marj in the Beqaa, supported by mobile outreach teams serving host communities, internally displaced persons, and refugees.

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is a nonprofit, non-political organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Syria, its neighboring countries, and beyond. Last year, SAMS provided over 3 million lifesaving medical services to over 1 million people.

To support our emergency response and help us save lives, please visit www.sams-usa.net.

See our SAMS Press Kit for more information about our lifesaving work.