Addressing Early Identification and Intervention of Children with Disabilities and Developmental Delays in Lebanon

Abstract

Eleven percent of children in Lebanon between the ages of two and nine have developmental delays or disabilities, but early detection and intervention are hampered by obstacles in the health systems, service delivery, and funding. Further difficulties, such as delayed rehabilitation, various morbidities, and vulnerability to violence and abuse, are more likely to occur as a result of these delays. This policy brief presents a thorough strategy to deal with these issues. The first step is to create national policies and resources for early detection and intervention in the fields of social protection, education, and health. Second, improving the understanding of educators, healthcare professionals, and carers is essential for improved management, referral, and detection. Lastly, obtaining financial coverage is crucial to improving healthcare delivery and updating health insurance requirements in order to make early intervention programs available. System-level, organisational, professional, and individual considerations are necessary for effective implementation.