The Public Health Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences is proud to announce that it will receive approximately $71,000 USD from the University of California San Diego through funding from the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) to participate in the first-of-its-kind graduate level fellowship in Climate Change Research and Action.

The Country’s Principal Investigator for this program is Dr. Myriam Mrad who is the Chairperson of the Public Health Department, will lead in the training of 15 Lebanese decision makers from ministries and organizations through hands on training on research methods, applications, and skills to address climate change related health outcomes. This will include climate change relevant preparedness and disaster management.

The project is led by Dr. Wael Al-Delaimy professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego, which will offer the fellowship certification to trainees in Lebanon. The training will feature world experts and Lebanese instructors who will jointly provide training both in-person and virtually.

Additionally, a key outcome of the project will be the activation of the Lebanese National Committee on Climate Change and Health to foster inter-ministerial collaboration and cooperation, which will be crucial in the upcoming period of national reconstruction and development.

This grant symbolizes hope and progress amid adversity. As Lebanon navigates these tumultuous times, every proactive effort to strengthen our country’s capacity and the University of Balamand’s commitment to a more climate resilient future. ​