Beirut, Lebanon – February 2026 – The Lebanese Association for Family Health (SALAMA), IPPF’s Member Association in Lebanon, hosted the closing ceremony of its Japan-funded project, “Preventing Maternal and Reproductive Health Morbidities and Mortalities among Crisis-Affected Populations, IDPs, Syrian Refugees, and Host Communities in Lebanon,” on Thursday, February 12, in Beirut, in the presence of a panel of participants, including the representatives of the Lebanese Ministries of Health and Social Affairs, the Government of Japan, and the IPPF.
Funded through the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB) 2024, the initiative has significantly enhanced access to lifesaving maternal and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for crisis-affected communities in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), Syrian refugees, and host communities.
Project Achievements:
- 85,684 SRH services delivered, reaching 28,562 beneficiaries.
- 5,836 women received comprehensive maternal, newborn, and child health care.
- 134 safe deliveries supported through partner hospitals.
- Sustained operation of two SALAMA clinics in the Bekaa Valley.
- Community outreach reached 5,960 individuals, with 200 mama-baby kits and 3,000 dignity kits distributed.
- Capacity-building trainings strengthened healthcare providers’ skills, while partnerships with municipalities and humanitarian actors ensured wider outreach and sustainability.
Since 2017, Lebanon has faced overlapping crises, including economic collapse, the Beirut Port explosion, and regional conflicts, which have placed immense strain on its healthcare system. Vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls, IDPs, and refugees, have been disproportionately affected.
With the generous support of the Government of Japan, SALAMA has implemented three humanitarian projects funded through the Japan Trust Fund (JTF) and JSB, delivering over 196,441 SRH services in the Bekaa Valley. These interventions have strengthened community resilience, ensured continuity of lifesaving services during prolonged crises, and integrated SRH, mental health, and gender-based violence (GBV) services through structured referral mechanisms.
“The completion of this vital project in the Bekaa Valley exemplifies Japan’s steadfast commitment to protecting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” said Japan’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Kenji Yokota. “Beyond the provision of essential medical services, it upholds the fundamental right of every individual to live with dignity. This initiative embodies our Human Security approach by empowering individuals and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he added. “Japan remains dedicated to standing alongside Lebanon in supporting resilience, recovery, and long-term stability,” he stressed.
“From our very first steps, the Government and people of Japan have stood beside SALAMA, enabling us to serve and empower communities through years of crisis,” said Lina Sabra, Executive Director of SALAMA. “Their support, particularly in this recent project, has been a lifeline for families rebuilding after conflict. We are deeply grateful for this enduring partnership.”
Through these initiatives, SALAMA has reinforced human security by protecting vulnerable individuals from disease, violence, and psychological distress, while empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and strengthening solidarity within families, communities, and health systems.
About SALAMA
The Lebanese Association for Family Health, “SALAMA,” was founded in 2008. It is a member association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), which is the largest voluntary non-governmental organization in the world, working on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues and advocating for them.SALAMA promotes and provides high-quality services and raises awareness for all groups in society, particularly the underserved and marginalized.
About IPPF
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global federation of more than 100 locally led Member Associations working in over 150 countries to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights. In humanitarian settings, IPPF plays a critical role in delivering lifesaving maternal, sexual and reproductive health services to crisis-affected communities, including displaced populations and those facing conflict, disaster, and instability. Through its locally rooted Member Associations, IPPF provides frontline health care, supports preparedness and emergency response, strengthens health systems, and advocates for the protection of rights and dignity in even the most challenging contexts. Locally led and globally connected, IPPF combines service delivery, policy advocacy, and community engagement to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly those most underserved in humanitarian crises.
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+961 70 707 268
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