Beirut: Health Minister, Rakan Nassereddine, on Wednesday met a delegation from the Beirut Marathon Association led by May El Khalil to discuss medical standards adopted during running events and their alignment with international athletics regulations.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Nassereddine expressed the ministry's readiness to develop a medical protocol aimed at protecting runners and athletes across all sports, emphasizing that safeguarding health remained the primary objective. He mentioned that primary healthcare centres across Lebanon would provide preventive medical tests for athletes at subsidised rates.

The minister highlighted coordination with the ministries of youth, sports, and education, as well as the Lebanese Olympic Committee, to enhance awareness and preventive measures.

El Khalil praised the ministry's efforts in light of wartime challenges and stressed the importance of national unity. Officials also agreed to expand awareness campaigns through social media and educational and sports institutions, in coordination with the Information Ministry.