LEBANON LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EARLY SCOLIOSIS DETECTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Lebanon has officially embarked on its first national early scoliosis detection program for children — a pioneering initiative led by La Clinique Sociale de l’Enfant, supported fully by ALAM Suisse and Fondation Diane, and implemented in partnership with Hôtel-Dieu de France University Medical Center (HDF) and Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ). This groundbreaking effort marks a major step toward improving child health nationwide and reducing the long-term consequences of untreated spinal conditions.
A National Effort Rooted in Collaboration and Hope
The program was launched during a dedicated ceremony that brought together medical leaders, institutional partners and representatives from civil society. Speaking on behalf of HDF, Director General Nassib Nasr emphasized that safeguarding children’s health is a shared responsibility and called for continued collaboration between healthcare and education sectors to serve young citizens across the country.
From the USJ community, Rev. Fr. Rector Professor Salim Daccache highlighted that the project was born within La Clinique Sociale de l’Enfant, a center committed to caring for families with humanity and resilience, even through Lebanon’s ongoing crises. He praised the partners who “chose hope” and recognized the leadership of Professor Ismat Ghanem, a key figure in advancing scoliosis care in Lebanon.
ALAM Suisse founding member Charles Stauffer echoed this spirit, expressing that the initiative reflects the Lebanon that its partners believe in—one capable of building meaningful, successful projects that improve lives. Quoting Gebran Khalil Gebran, he affirmed: “My Lebanon is this.”
The program was launched during a dedicated ceremony that brought together medical leaders, institutional partners and representatives from civil society. Speaking on behalf of HDF, Director General Nassib Nasr emphasized that safeguarding children’s health is a shared responsibility and called for continued collaboration between healthcare and education sectors to serve young citizens across the country.
From the USJ community, Rev. Fr. Rector Professor Salim Daccache highlighted that the project was born within La Clinique Sociale de l’Enfant, a center committed to caring for families with humanity and resilience, even through Lebanon’s ongoing crises. He praised the partners who “chose hope” and recognized the leadership of Professor Ismat Ghanem, a key figure in advancing scoliosis care in Lebanon.
ALAM Suisse founding member Charles Stauffer echoed this spirit, expressing that the initiative reflects the Lebanon that its partners believe in—one capable of building meaningful, successful projects that improve lives. Quoting Gebran Khalil Gebran, he affirmed: “My Lebanon is this.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Scoliosis is a spinal curvature of 11 degrees or more and affects an estimated 1–3% of children worldwide. Without timely detection, scoliosis can progress and lead to chronic back pain, lung restrictions, heart complications and visible physical deformity. As Professor Ghanem noted, early screening is crucial because untreated curves that develop at a young age may have severe consequences over time. Treatment varies from simple monitoring to bracing, physical therapy or surgery, depending on the degree of curvature.
In Lebanon, there are no local epidemiological studies to determine how prevalent scoliosis is among school-aged children. This program aims to fill that gap through large-scale screening and data collection.
Scoliosis is a spinal curvature of 11 degrees or more and affects an estimated 1–3% of children worldwide. Without timely detection, scoliosis can progress and lead to chronic back pain, lung restrictions, heart complications and visible physical deformity. As Professor Ghanem noted, early screening is crucial because untreated curves that develop at a young age may have severe consequences over time. Treatment varies from simple monitoring to bracing, physical therapy or surgery, depending on the degree of curvature.
In Lebanon, there are no local epidemiological studies to determine how prevalent scoliosis is among school-aged children. This program aims to fill that gap through large-scale screening and data collection.
A Nationwide Screening Campaign for Ages 6 to 18
Over the next two years, the program aims to diagnose 2,000 cases of scoliosis among children aged 6–18 across all Lebanese regions.
To achieve this goal:
- A team of orthopedic specialists from HDF–USJ is visiting schools nationwide to perform free clinical examinations.
- Children who show signs of scoliosis are referred for a free, low-radiation X-ray at the LBIM Biomechanics Lab (USJ – CIS) for accurate diagnostic confirmation.
- LBIM provides access to the EOS imaging system, an innovative technology delivering full-body, high-precision 3D images with minimal radiation exposure.
This process allows thousands of children to be assessed using standardized methods — including the widely used bending test — paving the way for early intervention that helps prevent progression to advanced stages requiring complex treatment.
A Vision for National Health Policy
The importance of screening was strongly reinforced by Fondation Diane’s president, Diana Fadel, who stressed that preventive programs spare families emotional and financial hardship, while reducing the long-term burden on the national healthcare system. She called for greater institutionalization of screening practices as part of Lebanon’s public health strategy.
Lebanon’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, announced concrete governmental commitments during the program’s launching ceremony: establishing a national committee for scoliosis screening in partnership with the Ministry of Education, integrating scoliosis checks into primary healthcare centers beginning this year, and working toward health coverage for scoliosis-related surgeries for children under 18 starting in early 2026.
The importance of screening was strongly reinforced by Fondation Diane’s president, Diana Fadel, who stressed that preventive programs spare families emotional and financial hardship, while reducing the long-term burden on the national healthcare system. She called for greater institutionalization of screening practices as part of Lebanon’s public health strategy.
Lebanon’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, announced concrete governmental commitments during the program’s launching ceremony: establishing a national committee for scoliosis screening in partnership with the Ministry of Education, integrating scoliosis checks into primary healthcare centers beginning this year, and working toward health coverage for scoliosis-related surgeries for children under 18 starting in early 2026.
Empowering Families, Protecting Futures
The program also benefits from the advocacy of famous actress and scoliosis survivor Zeina Makki, who joined as project ambassador to raise awareness and encourage families to take screening seriously. Her personal journey underscores the transformative impact of early diagnosis and treatment.
Ultimately, this initiative demonstrates what is possible when hospitals, universities, NGOs and public institutions unite behind a shared mission. As Professor Elie Nemr of USJ stated, such partnerships reflect a collective commitment not only to protecting children’s health, but also to safeguarding their future.
Like Zeina Makki riding forward on a white horse — a symbol of courage, momentum and reclaimed freedom — this program encourages every child in Lebanon to believe in their own path, even when obstacles arise.
Her story reminds us that early diagnosis can transform a future, that a simple action can spare years of hardship, and that with the right support, a curved spine can become a life standing tall again.
Through this initiative, may every child be given the same opportunity: to grow straight, strong and confident, carried by hope and by a society that truly looks after them.
Like Zeina Makki riding forward on a white horse — a symbol of courage, momentum and reclaimed freedom — this program encourages every child in Lebanon to believe in their own path, even when obstacles arise.
Her story reminds us that early diagnosis can transform a future, that a simple action can spare years of hardship, and that with the right support, a curved spine can become a life standing tall again.
Through this initiative, may every child be given the same opportunity: to grow straight, strong and confident, carried by hope and by a society that truly looks after them.