Lebanon’s UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi said in Geneva’s press conference on Friday that the country’s socio-economic crisis is further deteriorating.
The war in Ukraine has significantly impacted Lebanon’s food security due to the skyrocketing prices, and the complications of importing food.
According to Rochdi, “2.2 million people require urgent support to secure access to food and other basic needs until the end of the year, an increase of 46 percent compared to last year.”
The country’s health sector is also undergoing critical issues, such as the lack of medical supplies and the shortage of electricity.
Due to the dire situation of the health industry, 1.95 million citizens have requested humanitarian health services, which is a 43% percent increase from 2021.
Since the beginning of Lebanon’s economic crisis, approximately 40% of doctors and 30% of nurses have left the country.
Regarding Lebanon’s workforce, approximately one-third of workers are unemployed, and the minimum wage is now less than $25 due to the devaluation of the Lebanese Lira.
The United Nations also reported that the country is on the onset of a water crisis as a result of high fuel prices and poor water infrastructure, which may leave 4 million people unable to access clean water.
In order “to ensure the provision of lifesaving services to the most vulnerable populations […] and maintain the provision of basic services across Lebanon”, Rochdi said that the United Nations has provided emergency fuel supplies to over 600 health facilities and water establishments.
“Lebanon’s crisis is affecting everyone, everywhere across the country […]”, said Rochdi.
