“AaSalameh” marks key milestone in strengthening primary health care in Lebanon

In partnership with the European Union and UNICEF

The Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the European Union and UNICEF, held today the annual review of the “AaSalameh” Primary Health Care initiative. Launched, one year ago, Aa Salameh introduces a life-cycle approach to health care, from pregnancy through early childhood and up to adolescent years. 

“This initiative represents a systemic shift in how primary care is delivered in Lebanon, ensuring that both mothers and children receive person-centered care, regular follow-up, and comprehensive health education,” said Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, Minister of Public Health. “Just one year since its launch, AaSalameh has emerged as a pivotal initiative in Lebanon’s efforts to strengthen the country’s primary health care infrastructure, address critical gaps in vaccination coverage, and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.”

Since its launch, the initiative has enabled over 25,000 children to receive timely vaccination, supported more than 1,400 pregnant women with antenatal care, and reached 15,900 newborns with postnatal follow-up. Community outreach has been instrumental, with over 114,000 household visits conducted to check on children’s health and nutrition, raise awareness and ensure timely referrals.

Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, said : “Strengthening Lebanon’s public health system is essential, now more than ever. It is an important way to restore confidence in public services and help ensure that people can count on them when they are most needed. I have recently conducted field visits and have seen with my own eyes the fundamental contribution of health workers. The innovative ways they engage with communities through outreach activities and health campaigns at Primary Healthcare Centers is remarkable. We thank them for their contribution to an overall improvement in public health outcomes for Lebanon.”

Through a team-based, community-linked model, AaSalameh is redefining how care is delivered at the primary level. Nurses, midwives, and community health workers work together to bridge service delivery between the health facilities and communities to ensure their health needs are addressed on time. 

“This initiative is not simply a service delivery model, it is a shift in how the health system reaches, follows, and cares for mothers and children across their life course,” said Andrea Berther, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “It reinforces UNICEF’s commitment to equity, access, and accountability in primary health care and lays the foundation for a more resilient and responsive health system. We are deeply grateful for the European Union’s continued support to Lebanon’s public health system and its dedication to improving the lives of children and families across the country.”

Moreover, AaSalameh integrates health with broader social protection and public health mechanisms, including birth registration, school enrollment, and mental health and disease screening, positioning the PHCC as a central hub for life-stage services.

UNICEF, in close partnership with the MoPH, will continue to strengthen this model to ensure that every child and mother can access the health services they need to survive and thrive and that it is sustained within the Primary health care system of the Ministry of Public Health.