New Delhi (NVI): The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has delivered some 67 tons of critical humanitarian supplies to affected children and families in Beirut, following a deadly explosion earlier this month.
Through two airlifts and commercial cargo routes, vital personal protective equipment (PPE), medical, health hygiene and nutrition supplies were able to reach those in need, the UNICEF said in a statement.
The UN agency’s immediate response was to distribute 18 shipments of pre-positioned supplies, which were in stock, while working to procure additional humanitarian items locally, including PPE, infection prevention and control (IPC) kits and other hygiene items, as well as provisions to support psycho-social assistance to affected children.
While to complement the locally procured supplies, additional materials were sent to Beirut from UNICEF’s global supply hub in Copenhagen, with further shipments planned in the coming days and weeks.
“Before the dust had begun to settle, UNICEF teams were working to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian supplies could reach children and families affected as soon as possible,” said UNICEF Lebanon Representative Yukie Mokuo.
On August 4, a cache of ammonium nitrate caused a deadly explosion in Lebanon that rocked the capital of Beirut, causing devastation in a city already suffering from the coronavirus pandemic.
Around 200 people were killed in the blast, injured thousands of others and left around a quarter of a million homeless.
“Children have had their lives turned upside-down,” Mokou reminded. “Making sure that families have their basic needs met will allow them to start rebuilding their lives and look to the future.”
As the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continues to rise, the UN agency was also able to deliver more than USD 3.5 million worth of critical PPE and IPC kits – especially critical as 10 containers of PPE were destroyed in the explosions.
“As families fight to rebuild after the chaos of the explosions, coupled with the ongoing economic crisis and the added threat of COVID-19, the support of our donors and partners has been absolutely critical,” Mokou continued, “but much more is still needed.”
The humanitarian supplies were delivered with the assistance of the European Union’s European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Government of Belgium and through a donation from the Sanofi Foundation.
However, UNICEF still requires USD 46.7 million to respond to the immediate needs of children and families over the next three months – with a focus on keeping children safe; rehabilitating basic essential services; and equipping young people with the skills they need to help rebuild their country – all while limiting the spread of COVID-19.
“Now is the time for the international community to stand with the people of Lebanon and ensure that they receive the help and assistance required,” said Mokuo.
-RJV
