Highlights & Selected Articles

• Environment (35/104 articles) mostly followed up on the waste crisis in Lebanon, mainly, the closure of the Costa Brava landfill located near Rafik Hariri International Airport. The dumpsite, which was reopened for a short period, had struck controversy in the country, especially that it attracted seagulls that endanger aviation. This section also shed light on a development project near Lebanon’s highest peak, Qornet El Sawda. The project announcement fired sharp backlash across several media outlets opposing to the project claiming that it would endanger the environment. The project manager, Patrick Ghanem, flatly rejected the claims declaring that the project will be totally eco-friendly.  
• Refugees (16/104 articles) informed about a new interactive documentary giving viewers a look into the lives of school-aged Syrian refugees in Lebanon, as part of the campaign #imagineaschool. This section also highlighted hardships that Syrian refugees are facing in Lebanon, in parallel with Donald Trump’s decision of banning people from 7 Muslim countries, including Syria, from entering the United States.
• Ministry of Public Health (12/104 articles) compiled different activities of the new Minister of Public Health, Ghassan Hasbani. Two bills were passed by Cabinet earlier this month regarding changes implemented by former health minister, Wael Abou Faour, but many remain confused over the exact details. Minister Hasbani explained that the ministry is continuing with Faour’s decision regarding providing full health coverage to citizens above 64 years old, but the cost is increasing. The minister stressed on the need to make sure that hospitals are abiding by the new system because not all hospitals were, he said. Moreover, this section covered the minister’s participation in the health conference and exhibition in Dubai, among other activities.

• Bird Flu (7/104 articles) showcased the World Health Organization (WHO) calling on all countries to closely monitor outbreaks of deadly avian influenza in birds and poultry, and to report any human cases promptly, warning: "We cannot afford to miss the early signals."
• Tobacco Related (6/104 articles) shed light on a new study published in the “Tobacco Control” scientific journal stating that nearly 6% of the world's health-care spending is tied to smoking. Researchers explained that the issue amounted to $1.4 trillion worldwide in 2012, with developing nations shouldering 40 percent of the burden.
• Food Safety (5/104 articles) reported on Ministry of Public Health inspectors confiscating more than 500 kg of expired produce in a factory at Saida, south of Lebanon. A penalty was issued against the owner of the factory as he was summoned for questioning.

• Mental Health (3/104 articles) covered the meeting of the health, labor and social affairs committee to discuss the proposal to amend some of the sanctions on illegal substances and Code of Criminal Procedures for the mentally ill or mentally offenders.
• Domestic Violence (3/104 articles) informed about 17-year-old Syrian girl, Malak, who was killed in a shooting in northeast Lebanon. Malak sustained a gunshot wound to the head in Arsal, after fighting with her husband.
• Other (7/104 articles) compiled different public health related articles among them, updates on the issue of the dead infant found in a dumpster. This section also informed about the dates and times of the colloquium. On the other hand, one article shed light on the issue of old and unrestored buildings in Beirut and how they endanger public safety, among other articles.

• NSSF (2/104 articles) covered The Parliament approving the law that states that NSSF contractors can benefit from the health coverage provided by the fund.
• Hospitals (2/104 articles) highlighted an issue at the Bouar Governmental hospital at Mount Lebanon. Minister of Public Health, Ghassan Hasbani, discussing the issue with neighboring related municipalities.
• Antibiotic (2/104 articles) informed about the development of antimicrobial resistance. Existing antibiotics are becoming less effective at treating an ever-increasing range of infections, and the effects of this can be seen in Lebanon today.
• Human Rights (1/104 articles) reported on Judge Rabih Maalouf who declared that “homosexuality is a personal choice and not a punishable offense” in the ruling which referenced Article 183. This landmark case was considered by many as it may change the future of LGBT people living in the country.
• Domestic Worker (1/104 articles) highlighted the hardships lived by a Ghanaian domestic work, Adgoa, before she ran away from her employer’s house and found shelter at Insaan NGO. It is worth to note that the Lebanese Ministry of Labor has refused to recognize a union that was formed in 2015 by foreign workers across the country to protect their rights even though nearly 100 NGOs signed a petition in its support.
• Alcohol (1/104 articles) presented one article showcasing the constituents of alcohol and how it affects a person’s sobriety and leads to addiction.