Nasser al-Din and Magro Discuss Continuation of Partnership

Minister of Public Health Rakan Nasser al-Din received French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro in his office at the ministry, and the discussion covered health affairs and the emphasis on continuing the partnership, as Ambassador Magro praised the performance of the Ministry of Public Health amid the difficult challenges facing Lebanon. Minister Nasser al-Din also thanked France for its ongoing support for the Ministry of Public Health.

The meeting was attended by Health Affairs Advisor Dr. Pierre Anhouri, who is concluding his duties in Lebanon after having assumed over the past four years the task of coordinating joint health projects between the Ministry of Public Health and the French government. On this occasion, the ministry held a tribute gathering during which Minister Nasser al-Din presented Anhouri with a commemorative shield.

Tribute to Advisor Anhouri

In his speech, Nasser al-Din praised "the commitment shown by Anhouri in working alongside the Ministry of Public Health, especially in the National Cancer Control Program where he was keen to achieve the required progress, based on the strategic plan set by the ministry."

He affirmed that "the ministry is proud of its partnership with France and its contribution to joint programs, particularly the support provided to primary healthcare centers, the mental health program, and many other activities and essential health initiatives."

For his part, Dr. Anhouri thanked the French Ambassador "for giving him the opportunity to serve Lebanon, the country where he was born, and to conclude his professional career in serving the Lebanese citizens."

Then he turned to Minister Nasser al-Din, saying: "You were about to begin a promising professional career as a vascular surgeon coming from Canada when you were chosen as a minister in the Lebanese government, and you were and still are the youngest among the ministers. You assumed the responsibility of the ministry and dedicated yourself to serving the people. The first thing that distinguishes you is your love for the people and your constant presence among them. You go down to the field, visit the regions, and make sure to see for yourself what is happening on the ground. This, in my opinion, is what makes the real difference."

He added: "Minister Nasser al-Din is adept at finding solutions, because he does not just listen to problems but immediately seeks ways out, makes the necessary contacts, and pushes things forward with a positive spirit—an approach that has helped a large number of Lebanese."

He concluded by noting that "working in the Ministry of Public Health was full of facing challenges during a period that witnessed war and many humanitarian crises, yet the great effort being exerted yields, despite all difficulties, advanced results in the health system."