Beiruting News

Workshop by “ASSAMEH Birth & Beyond” on Congenital Anomalies
Raising awareness on the importance of prevention and early detection at the heart of action in Lebanon

Under the patronage of the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, the association ASSAMEH Birth & Beyond organized a scientific workshop titled “Congenital Anomalies in Lebanon: Understanding, Prevention, and Improving Care” at the Institut Français du Liban. The event was attended by the Minister’s representative, Rita Freiha, representatives of supporting bodies, a large number of doctors and medical specialists, as well as media professionals and individuals interested in public health issues.

Al-Shami:
The workshop opened with a speech by the President of ASSAMEH Birth & Beyond, Abboud Al-Shami, who emphasized the association’s commitment—founded by Dr. Robert Sassi—to its humanitarian mission of providing high-quality medical services to mothers, children, and premature newborns from the most underprivileged groups, at a cost far lower than that of private hospitals. He stressed that this represents a major responsibility in light of the deep challenges facing Lebanon’s healthcare sector, especially since congenital anomalies affect a large number of newborns in Lebanon and remain a leading cause of neonatal mortality and lifelong disabilities.

He added: “Based on these realities, this conference comes in response to an urgent need and a clear, shared objective: to reduce the medical and social impact of congenital anomalies in Lebanon by strengthening prevention efforts and highlighting the importance of early detection.”

Freiha:
For her part, Freiha highlighted the partnership between the Ministry and the association, which has had a positive impact in supporting public hospitals and improving access to high-quality care for groups that rely primarily on the public healthcare system.

She stated: “Quality of care and patient safety remain among the core priorities of the Ministry of Public Health. Today, we bear the responsibility of turning the resilience demonstrated since the COVID-19 pandemic into sustainable reform by strengthening prevention and reinforcing the healthcare system.”

She also paid tribute to the late Professor Robert Sassi, founder of Assameh, noting that “he was an exceptional figure who devoted his life to serving children, combining medical excellence with profound humanity.”

Sessions:
The scientific sessions, moderated by George Deek, Director of the Office of Communications at Saint George University of Beirut, then began. Dr. André Mégarbane spoke on “The Causes of Congenital Anomalies,” focusing on genetic factors and the role of consanguineous marriage. He reviewed available screening tools and prevention strategies adapted to the Lebanese context, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early screening.

Dr. Salim Adib addressed the health situation and mapping, presenting demographic developments and outlining the national health map. He discussed international comparisons and highlighted environmental factors associated with congenital anomalies and their impact on public health.

Dr. Malek Nassar discussed “High-Risk Pregnancy: Between Early Diagnosis and Medical Ethics,” underscoring the importance of prenatal monitoring, early detection, ethical considerations in managing high-risk pregnancies, and their role in supporting medical decision-making in coordination with families.

Dr. Riva Matta dedicated her intervention to “From Birth to Care: Managing Affected Newborns,” addressing the medical management of congenital anomalies, the importance of multidisciplinary coordination, fetal and congenital blood disorders, and ways to improve postnatal care and follow-up.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion among participants, providing a platform for sharing expertise and raising challenges related to congenital anomalies, while highlighting the importance of an integrated scientific approach and the role of partnership among the various stakeholders involved.