Beirut Explosion Response

Six months in, Lebanon is still recovering from the devastating blast in Beirut. To date, over 200 people have lost their lives, with three people who are still missing. Assessments show that cash, shelter repairs and medicines remain the top priorities reported by those affected by the explosions. Over the past couple of months, our partners have distributed dignity kits to over 600 families, needs assessments have been conducted with 100 youth participating, and over 30 families have been identified as potential beneficiaries for shelter repairs.

In addition to the recovery, the COVID-19 outbreak has been putting extra pressure on an already over-burdened and under-resourced national health system. Health partners report that communities they serve continue to identify critical health needs: including lack of medicines and supplies, and insufficient mental health and psychosocial support services.

If the health system in Lebanon continues to be overloaded, it will inevitably limit availability and accessibility of life-saving health services, including sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls, essential in disaster settings and as women and girls are disproportionately affected.

As ActionAid's Director for the region, Caroline McCausland, has stated: “ActionAid’s priority in emergencies is always to ensure the safety of women and girls, who face the greatest dangers in the aftermath of any disaster.”

We will continue to share updates throughout ActionAid's response to this crisis. Thank you for your support - it means the world.