Synopsis
On March 15, Lebanon's Health Ministry and UNICEF launched a vital initiative to deliver healthcare and protection services for children affected by war. The program aims to assist 300 children with various medical needs, including surgeries and psychological support, amidst the devastating aftermath of recent conflicts.Key Takeaways
- Partnership between Lebanon's Health Ministry and UNICEF.
- Program focuses on war-affected children in Lebanon.
- Initial phase targets 300 children with 75 surgeries planned.
- Emphasis on psychological and rehabilitative support.
- Significant child casualties reported due to recent conflicts.
Beirut, March 15 (NationPress) The Health Ministry of Lebanon, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has initiated a program aimed at delivering extensive healthcare and protective services for children affected by war.
This initiative will be executed in conjunction with the International Network for Aid, Relief, and Assistance and the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund, as reported by Xinhua.
The primary goal of the program is to assist children impacted by the recent conflict in Lebanon, providing various services including surgical interventions, psychological counseling, physiotherapy, and reconstructive surgeries, according to a statement from the Health Ministry.
In its initial phase, the initiative aims to cater to 300 children, encompassing 75 surgical procedures, as indicated by a source from UNICEF Lebanon's communications department to Xinhua.
Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine emphasized that this initiative represents a crucial step in the nation’s endeavors to assist war-affected children in reclaiming their future.
Ettie Higgins, UNICEF's deputy representative in Lebanon, remarked, "We cannot permit these children to be overlooked. They have already endured the loss of numerous family members, homes, and their sense of security. Through this essential program, it is our shared duty to ensure they do not lose their future."
The UNICEF statement highlighted the catastrophic impact of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which commenced in October 2023 and intensified in September 2024, affecting children throughout the nation.
As of December last year, the Health Ministry reported over 316 child fatalities, with nearly 1,500 additional children wounded. Many have sustained severe injuries including burns, fractures, and limb loss, necessitating specialized medical treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological support.
