Add us as your preferred source on Google to see more of our content in Search.
Add to Preferred SourcesThe Commission is allocating €5.5 million in humanitarian funding to help strengthen the COVID-19 response in Lebanon. The funding comes as Lebanon faces high infection rates, with the national health system close to collapse as well as low vaccination rates.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: “The tragic blast in Beirut on 4 August 2020 sadly changed the lives of many Lebanese forever. The tragedy should serve as an opportunity for Lebanon to re-emerge stronger. The Lebanese authorities need to form a government and deliver it to its people. The EU continues to stand with the Lebanese people offering its support in the direst moments, in particular now that the world is fighting a pandemic. The funding announced today will support Lebanon to fight the COVID-19.”
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management said: “In Lebanon, more than 3 million people are in need of assistance due to the COVID-19 crisis. The virus is rapidly spreading while there is very limited access to free testing and intensive care units are overwhelmed. Along with the pandemic’s impact, Lebanese people, as well as refugees, are still coping with the aftermath of the devastating Beirut explosion in 2020 and the ongoing economic and political crisis. In response, the EU is mobilizing humanitarian support to help alleviate the suffering of those most in need in Lebanon and help the country fight the pandemic.”
The latest EU funding to Lebanon comes in addition to the EU’s initial allocation of €50 million in humanitarian aid released for 2021. The funding will support the vaccination rollout to reach the highest possible number of people over the coming months and to prevent an increase in infections. Critical health needs, including mental and psycho-social support linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, will also be addressed swiftly.