A women’s integrated health program in Tripoli, Lebanon, has become the center of a heated debate, leading to its suspension by the Minister of Education, Rima Karami. The “Women’s Integrated Health Health” program (WISH), a collaborative effort with the medical center at the American University of Beirut (AUB), aimed to raise awareness on reproductive health, nationality, adn women’s rights. However, it faced strong opposition from conservative elements who accused the program of promoting “homosexuality” and undermining customary values.

Ministerial Intervention and Public Outcry

Minister Karami’s swift decision to halt the program followed a wave of objections. In order to ensure the safety and protection of health and psychological students, the Ministry gave instructions to stop the implementation of this program and withdraw the educational material that was distributed, Karami stated. This action has sparked questions about the program’s alleged harmfulness,considering its educational objectives.

The QR Code Controversy

The controversy intensified after a lecture at the Fadel Fadel School for Girls.Educational booklets distributed to students contained a QR code linking to the AUB medical center. This center offers initiatives related to integrated sexual health for women, addressing topics such as sexual desire, sexual orientation, gender equality, and sexual diversity.

Critics argue that the QR code was a covert attempt to expose students to sensitive topics without proper guidance. However, sources familiar with the program suggest that the issue may stem from a lack of oversight during implementation in Tripoli.Perhaps there was a defect in Tripoli in a way that the program was implementing, not to have the beholder or professor of students, to ensure how the project is implemented, an informed source stated.

Political Undercurrents and incitement

Some activists and politicians reportedly incited against karami, accusing the Ministry of Education of promoting “anomaly” in Tripoli. However, sources suggest that these criticisms may be linked to the ministry’s recent suspension of other programs in schools due to oversight concerns.

It is indeed alleged that some individuals, affected by these suspensions, are attempting to undermine Karami’s position.Some have problems with the minister because it does not respond to the requests of politicians as its ancestors did from education ministers.Consequently, these people participate in correction on every stray or will under the name “scandal” to undermine Karami, sources added.

Program Integrity and Ongoing Investigation

Despite the controversy, informed sources maintain that the program does not violate public morals. the program, as well as informed sources, confirm to the “cities” in which nothing is violated with public morals, how much some of them portray in Tripoli and the ministry audits all programs and does not allow any matter that contradicts the Lebanese laws, a source stated.

the Ministry of Education is currently investigating the matter thru the Directorate of Secondary Education. While the educational materials have been withdrawn for review, sources emphasize that they contain general information commonly taught in biology or national education classes. The QR code,they argue,is merely a resource for students seeking further information.