By Thalia Kattoura | Staff Writer

This article has been brought to life thanks to Rayan Ali Ahmad.

The occasion? The event sought to shed light on the newly launched Medical History, Ethics & Policy (MHEP), a multidisciplinary program that seeks to address the intertwinement of history, medicine, and social ethics. As we grapple with a new era of governance in Lebanon amid a multitude of political and economic crises locally and regionally, this program proves to be a timely and interventionist response to the previously mentioned questions.

Titled “Crisis, Care, and Policy: A Conversation with Minister Haneen Sayed,” this panel discussion did not just serve to launch a well-anticipated program. Rather, it intended to demonstrate to the public the urgency of maintaining conversations with policymakers, medical experts, politicians, and students. Instead of opting for a top-down approach, the program has opened a window for dynamic dialogue between different agents of society, allowing everyone to be part of the future of this field in Lebanon. The keynote conversation featured Lebanon’s current Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Sayed, and was moderated by Dr. Joelle Abi-Rached, Associate Professor of Medicine and Founding Director of MHEP at AUB’s Faculty of Medicine.

The poster does not fall short of demonstrating the importance of this event through artistic work. The visual installation of Paul Guiragossian’s “La lutte de l’existence” (“The Struggle of Existence”) is an expressive 1988 painting on loan from the Dalloul Art Foundation. The image of faceless, abstract human figures, pressed together in a collective motion, added a layer of emotional and visual context to the discussions of human vulnerability, struggle, and solidarity.

To move onto the launching itself – what makes the launching of such a program this significant in today’s time is its multidisciplinary approach, viewing medicine and care policies as inseparable from other approaches. This holistic method seeks to stitch elements of healthcare, policy, history, and ethics into concrete plans for the re-establishment of weakened state institutions. In essence, medicine is not just a clinical practice, but one that requires the consideration of politics and historical foundations. At the center of just healthcare policies – as the program description also notes – is the wellbeing of vulnerable populations and marginalized communities, who have been systematically denied proportional access to resources. In fact, the first step to ensuring egalitarian policies is to comprehend the disproportionate distribution of resources, with vulnerable populations left with the lower end of the stick. The emphasis, therefore, is not only on the delivery of healthcare but the socioeconomic and political structures that are deeply embedded in Lebanese society. Through this lens, healthcare becomes an embodiment of social and economic justice.

As part of this initiative, AUB has launched a new course – CHLA 215 – which invites students to face Lebanon’s political and social realities head-on. The reason why this course is being mentioned, especially in the context of a minister’s presence, highlights the practical approach that the course entails- allowing students to witness first-hand the impact of their academic pursuits. Minister Haneen Sayed’s presence in the event was not only significant because of her current position in the government, but also for the expertise and substance she brought to the table. Her remarks revealed both the possibilities and the constraints of governance in Lebanon today. Through honest dialogue, she shared concrete plans and proposals currently being discussed within Lebanon’s cabinet, mirroring the approaches of some ministers who are adopting transparency with the Lebanese people:

1- Clear Investigation into the Beirut Port Explosion

The obstruction of the investigation into the Beirut Port Explosion by the ruling class has intentionally stalled justice and answers for the victims’ loved ones and the entire populace that wishes to be part of a transparent, just, and trust-worthy government. The minister’s remarks made it clear that this proposal is not just about accountability, but about restoring public trust in institutions that have long struggled with credibility.

2- Direct Support for the Most Vulnerable Families

The minister focused on direct support for Lebanon’s poorest families. According to the minister, 50,000 families are currently registered in a government program aimed at helping the most vulnerable. In a nation where inflation has decimated purchasing power and basic necessities have become unaffordable for many, this kind of support is critical. But it also raises larger questions: Who decides who qualifies for aid? What are the ethical criteria used to define vulnerability? And how are these families tracked, monitored, and supported over time? These are exactly the kinds of questions that MHEP encourages students and scholars to grapple with, not only in theory but also in practice.

3- Pressing Issues Around Data

She pointed out that one of the significant changes taking place at the Ministry of Social Affairs is the shift toward collecting modern, accurate data. In the past, she admitted, the government either lacked essential data or relied on outdated statistics that were practically useless. Now, and for the first time, the ministry is gathering real-time data, analyzing it, and using it to inform policy decisions. This isn’t just a small improvement; it’s a fundamental shift. With reliable data, policy becomes more focused, evidence-based, and accountable.

For those in the room, particularly students and academics, it was a rare and hopeful moment; seeing a government official not only acknowledge the system’s past shortcomings but also show proactive steps to address them. This proposal brings into context what MHEP is trying to achieve, too. It’s not just about adding more academic complexity to the field of medicine; it’s about creating room for thoughtful reflection and tangible action in a context where healthcare is often unequal, influenced by politics, or difficult to access. Whether addressing issues like data reform, poverty relief programs, or the lasting impact of national tragedies, the discussions at the launch event highlighted that health cannot be separated from history and justice.

As Lebanon continues to face significant challenges, events like this help outline what meaningful change might look like, through holistic and intersectional approaches. While the collaboration between academic programs and government ministries may encounter practical obstacles, if pursued thoughtfully and with clear objectives, it could offer a path to rebuilding public trust and strengthening the country’s social infrastructure in ways that, though gradual, could make a real difference.