Cause Description

The ripple effects of the global economic situation – with heightened prices and increased inflation, is delivering yet another blow to Lebanon, which is already plagued by multiple crises that have disrupted the health system and put the lives of the country’s children at risk.

The combination of a calamitous economic meltdown, COVID-19 and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut explosions have left families struggling to cope amid rising poverty and spiraling inflation. Global fuel price hikes, coupled with Lebanon’s inability to import raw materials, including wheat, have sent prices soaring even higher.

50%+ of families were unable to obtain the medicines they needed

The health sector has suffered a major exodus of medical professionals. An estimated 40 per cent of doctors – including neonatologists and obstetrician-gynaecologists – and 15 per cent specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses and 30 per cent of midwives have left the country, seriously affecting the quality and accessibility of health care for women and children.