Health Ministry appoints Miss Lebanon 2024 as mental health ambassador

BEIRUT — Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine announced Wednesday that Miss Lebanon 2024, Nada Koussa, has been appointed as the country’s mental health ambassador.

The move, made in partnership with the National Mental Health Program, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of mental well-being and the need to protect it, the minister said during a press conference at the ministry.

A psychologist by training, Koussa welcomed an appointment that she believes demonstrates a "growing recognition that mental health is not a luxury, but a fundamental need." "In Lebanon, we have been through wars, economic collapse, displacement, trauma and immense losses," she said.

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"These events leave not only physical scars, but also psychological ones."

The director of the National Mental Health Program, Rabih al-Shammay, said this partnership goes beyond symbolism. It is part of the 2024–2030 national strategy, which makes prevention and the fight against stigma a priority. "To raise effective awareness, we must collaborate with voices that people trust," he said.

Nasreddine highlighted the impact of multiple crises on the mental health of Lebanese people, noting that "many physical illnesses are linked to anxiety and stress." He expressed hope that this initiative will "reduce cases of depression and suicide" and called for "greater involvement of young Lebanese in public mental health policies."