Dr Firass Abiad is the Minister of Public Health in Lebanon. He is a surgeon, graduated from the American University of Beirut with subspecialized training in Bariatric surgery. Dr. Abiad also holds a master’s degree in business administration.

Previous to his appointment as a Minister, Dr. Abiad led Rafic Hariri University Hospital whereby his efforts were able to turn around the hospital into a leading tertiary hospital that spearheaded the COVID-19 response in Lebanon.

As the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Abiad’s efforts have focused on securing the essential health needs of the population and ensuring wise and equitable use of the limited resources.

Dr. Abiad has also been keen in investing in system rebuilding initiatives. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Public Health launched the National Health Strategy and several strategic documents such as the National Cancer Plan, the Digital Health Vision, and others, all of which has helped set a direction for crisis management and for employing health reforms. Priority areas for implemented projects and initiatives have included reshaping health governance and financial arrangements, strengthening primary health care, empowering health human resources, investing in emergency preparedness, and harnessing the power of digital transformation.