407 Strengthening healthcare governance - effective leadership and equitable strategies for universal health coverage through the municipal health committee in Majdal Anjar, Lebanon

Sep 30, 2026

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Strengthening healthcare governance in Majdal Anjar, Lebanon, is examined through the Municipal Health Committee (MHC) established within the ReBUILD for Resilience (R4R) Lebanon Participatory Action Research initiative. Lebanon’s healthcare system is described as impaired by economic collapse, political instability, COVID-19, and regional conflicts, compounded by fragmentation and privatization. Using process documentation and meeting records, thematic analysis evaluates governance, resource allocation, and community engagement. Findings show improved access for all residents via needs-based resource allocation, community-led programs, and Health Hubs partnering with local centers. Capacity building and referral integration support resilient, equitable crisis response.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi101 impact. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data, focusing on governance, resource allocation, and community engagement. Results: The MHC has played a crucial role in strengthening local health governance, fostering collaboration with NGOs, and integrating scattered humanitarian efforts into a coordinated health strategy. Through a needs-based resource allocation model, the MHC has improved healthcare access for all residents and initiated community-driven programs, including school health initiatives, health education campaigns, a virtual blood bank, chronic disease medication access, disability support, and national vaccination reactivation. All these plans encompass capacity building, screening and awareness; the centralized results will feed in the referral system and guide the way forward. Additionally, local health centers have partnered with the MHC to establish Health Hubs, offering integrated healthcare services. Conclusion: The MHC demonstrates that community-based governance can enhance health system resilience, promote equitable healthcare access, and enable effective crisis response. This model provides a blueprint for strengthening healthcare governance in municipalities, advancing progress toward universal health coverage. Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.277 407 Strengthening healthcare governance: effective leadership and equitable strategies for universal health coverage through the municipal health committee in Majdal Anjar, Lebanon Joanna Khalil1, Rouham Yamout1, Wesam Mansour2, Fouad Fouad2, Joanna Raven2 1American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon 2Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom PTH 6: Health Policy and Health Services 1, B307 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 16:30-17:30 Aim: Lebanon’s healthcare system has been severely impacted by multiple crises, including economic collapse, political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and regional conflicts. The fragmentation and privatization of the healthcare sector have weakened service delivery, resulting in shortages of medical supplies, increased out-of-pocket expenses, and reduced access to care for both refugees and host communities. In response, the ReBUILD for Resilience (R4R) Lebanon team implemented Participatory Action Research in Majdal Anjar, leading to the establishment of the Municipal Health Committee (MHC) . This initiative aimed to enhance local healthcare governance through evidence-based management, inclusivity, efficiency, and equitable access to quality healthcare. Methods: This study draws on process documentation, including meeting minutes, field journal notes, and transcripts of reflective meetings, to examine the MHC’s development, priorities, and

FAQs

What crisis conditions motivated the study in Lebanon?

The study cites economic collapse, political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and regional conflicts, alongside healthcare sector fragmentation and privatization that weakened service delivery and access.

How was the Municipal Health Committee (MHC) created and what did it target?

The MHC was established in Majdal Anjar through Participatory Action Research implemented by the R4R Lebanon team, aiming to strengthen local governance through evidence-based management, inclusivity, efficiency, and equitable quality care access.

What methods were used to analyze the MHC’s development and priorities?

The research used process documentation, including meeting minutes, field journal notes, and transcripts from reflective meetings, and applied thematic analysis focused on governance, resource allocation, and community engagement.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda