UNICEF Sends Medical Supplies to Aid 2 Million People Amid Escalating Conflict in Lebanon

167 metric tons of medical and emergency supplies delivered to support the rising needs of women and children affected by violence.

UNICEF is providing 167 metric tons of medical supplies to support approximately 2 million people affected by the rapidly escalating conflict in Lebanon, with a particular focus on women and children. In the past three days, UNICEF has successfully delivered 67 metric tons of medical supplies via land and air routes, significantly boosting resources for health teams facing increasing demand for medical assistance due to the ongoing violence.

Recent Developments and Deliveries

These supplies, funded by the United Kingdom, are crucial for maintaining regular health services and addressing the urgent medical needs of the population. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 2,083 people over the past year, including more than 127 children, with many fatalities reported in recent weeks.

The latest delivery of 67 metric tons consists of various essential medical supplies, including:

Emergency kits for hospitals treating injured patients

Obstetric and midwifery kits to assist healthcare facilities in providing safe deliveries for pregnant women

Essential medications to treat acute and infectious conditions

First aid kits for emergency response teams and ambulances providing lifesaving care

On October 6, a UNICEF-chartered plane arrived at Lebanon’s international airport carrying 25 metric tons of medical supplies. Additionally, 25 metric tons were delivered by air, and 17 metric tons came via road from Jordan through Syria. UNICEF has been among the first organizations to deliver humanitarian supplies to Lebanon by road since the major escalation of violence on September 23, and more trucks are expected to arrive soon.

Addressing Growing Needs

"Hospitals are struggling under the strain of this tragic increase in cases,” said UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder. “More medical supplies are urgently needed to ensure the women and children of Lebanon receive the lifesaving care they need. Through the funding support of the United Kingdom, UNICEF has been able to bolster efforts to save lives in Lebanon.”

The medical supplies are being distributed across public hospitals, health facilities, and mobile teams throughout Lebanon.

Beyond medical aid, UNICEF has distributed 135 metric tons of emergency response supplies since September 23, assisting approximately 60,000 internally displaced people at over 240 shelters across the country. Relief items provided include:

450,000 liters of water22,000 blankets

6,000 mattresses and sleeping bags

26,000 family hygiene and baby kits

12,000 personal hygiene kits for women and adolescent girls

Medical, mental health, and psychosocial support services are also being rolled out at the shelters to provide comprehensive assistance to those affected.

Urgent Call for Support

Given the scale of humanitarian needs in Lebanon, UNICEF is urgently appealing to the international community to mobilize humanitarian support. The organization emphasizes the importance of keeping supply routes into Lebanon open and ensuring safe passage for aid, which is crucial for delivering lifesaving assistance to vulnerable children.

UNICEF continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and urges all parties involved in the conflict to protect children and civilian infrastructure while allowing humanitarian actors to safely reach those in need, in line with international humanitarian law.