Volume 3, Issue 1 (2020)

Jihane Basbous, IGH-Institute of Human Genetics - UMR9002 CNRS-Université de Montpellier

Being the guest editor of the third volume of BAU Journal - Health and Well-Being is so meaningful during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Global efforts have been devoted by governments and public health professionals to implement strategies in order to protect human life. This crisis points out the urgent need not only to focus on the physical health, but to prioritize mental health and support psychosocial well-being programs, as well. Indeed, the most dramatic effect has been observed among vulnerable elderly and young students worrying about their career. Those affected should receive appropriate care and professional guidance to get through this critical period of stress.

For over 10 years, I have been addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms by which human cells cope and adapt to adverse stress to avoid cell damage and death. Indeed, chronic stress generated by various external or environmental factors such as uncertainty, deteriorating socio-economic conditions, air pollution, smoking or climate changes leads to a low quality of life coupled with an onset of stress related, chronic and malignant diseases. So, I salute Beirut Arab University journal for shedding the light on the mental health of the Lebanese population that is facing unprecedented sanitary, social and economic tensions, thus affecting their well-being.

This issue of BAU Journal will focus on different aspects of both physical and mental health and highlight the imperative need to increase awareness, promote knowledge, and encourage dialogue with the Lebanese population. This act cannot be achieved without the combined efforts of the Ministry of Public Health and social workers.