BEIRUT, Lebanon 22 October (UNHCR) – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes new funding support from the Government of Italy to meet the urgent health care needs of Lebanese and refugees in the country.
The resources – totaling EUR 3,000,000 – are critical in enabling UNHCR and its partners to implement lifesaving activities, including access to critical health care support. Additionally, UNHCR will provide essential medical equipment to 10 governmental hospitals with the objective of enhancing access to quality medical services for Lebanese and refugees.
“The longstanding support from the Government of Italy is ever more important at a time when the needs of Lebanese and refugee families are growing daily, especially with the recent escalation of conflict that has further strained the national health system”, Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Lebanon said.
Intensifying airstrikes since September have led to large-scale displacement and loss of civilian life and casualties, damage to infrastructure, destruction of agricultural land and livestock, and disruption of basic services including healthcare centres, water facilities, and schools. To date, most displacement has been internal – with Government estimates citing 1.2 million people having fled inside Lebanon.
“As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, this timely contribution will support the Lebanese health system by ensuring that vulnerable communities receive quality medical services. It is part of an initial grant of EUR 17,000,000 that Italy allocated to support Lebanese institutions”, said Mr. Fabrizio Marcelli, Ambassador of Italy to Lebanon.
“The contribution will ensure access to a comprehensive healthcare package for the most vulnerable population, by enhancing safety and well-being ensuring the coverage of life-threatening health emergencies, with a focus on maternal and reproductive health. This project includes an institutional support component for the Lebanese public hospitals” Mrs Alessandra Piermattei, Head of the Beirut office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS, added.
UNHCR will continue to work closely with the Government of Lebanon and national and international partners to provide essential support for vulnerable Lebanese and refugee communities amidst the challenging situation in the country.
Media contacts:
Dalal Harb, [email protected]
Lisa Abou Khaled, [email protected]
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