Lebanon
Supporting primary health care and strengthening the capacity of Lebanon’s health system to address persistent humanitarian needs
The Context
In September 2024, conflict between the Israeli military and Hezbollah intensified inside Lebanon, leading to widespread displacement of civilians and an urgent humanitarian crisis. Even before the escalation in conflict, Lebanon’s health system was at its breaking point as a result of one of the worst economic crises in the world. Since 2019, civilians have been suffering from dire shortages of medications, medical equipment, and health workers, with hospitals shuttering due to financial strain.
The Israeli military and Hezbollah have exchanged airstrikes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since October 2023. Between then and November 2024, more than 4,000 people were killed, 17,000 were injured, and over a million experienced displacement. Eight hospitals and 100 primary health care centers and dispensaries were forced to close, severely limiting access to care as the conflict spread. Notably, 160 attacks on health care were reported between October 2023 and December 2024.
The scale and urgency of health and humanitarian needs increased as conflict intensified and civilians endured the traumas of violence, forced displacement, disrupted access to health care, food insecurity, and unreliable access to clean water and sanitation. Project HOPE field assessments at the time revealed an increasing need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), particularly among children.
1 in 5
people were displaced
An estimated 1.2 million people were forcibly displaced by the October 2023 to December 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the stress and chaos of which will have a long-lasting impacts.
44%
of the population lives below the poverty line
The number of people living in poverty has more than tripled over the past 10 years. In parts of northern Lebanon, the poverty rate is as high as 70%.
160
attacks on health care between October 2023 and December 2024
As communities work to recover and restabilize, the conflict’s impact on health, water, and civilian infrastructure is evident.
Our Impact
Distributing Health and Hygiene Supplies
In response to urgent needs, Project HOPE initially distributed over 1,700 hygiene kits and other essential dignity and non-food items like pillows and blankets to internally displaced families at 19 location across Lebanon, including schools that acted as shelters for displaced families.
Project HOPE also worked with the Ministry of Public Health to provide medications and emergency trauma supplies to health workers working around the clock to treat thousands of injuries and save lives.
Given that Lebanon’s health system was already weakened before the recent conflict, we also secured other essential medications and medical supplies to strengthen the health system and ensure continuous care for individuals with injuries and chronic conditions.
Surge Staffing and Health System Strengthening
Project HOPE deployed surge staff and mobilized two mobile medical units to address the growing health needs of civilians who were displaced by the conflict. These units were staffed by specialized local doctors and nurses and deliver essential health services directly to displaced populations in need.
Our team in Lebanon continues to work with affected communities to ensure the health facilities serving them have the tools and equipment they need. Project HOPE’s team in Lebanon is supporting primary health clinics, training mental health care providers, and working to strengthen access to MHPSS and WASH services.
Our History in Lebanon
In 2020, Project HOPE launched a response in Lebanon immediately following the Port of Beirut explosion, providing trauma care and psychosocial support through our local partner, Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF). We supported local health workers by procuring and distributing medicines, medical supplies, and hygiene supplies.
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