As Lebanon continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the conflict and other multiple crises, the European Union, through support to UNICEF, delivered 40 metric tons of essential medications and emergency medical kits to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. 

Part of the supplies arrived to Lebanon on a UNICEF chartered plane in January. The rest arrived by sea last month. The supplies include a variety of essential medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, which will be distributed based on needs and usage to a network of 300 Primary Health Care Centres and Primary Satellite Units across Lebanon. The supplies also include 15 emergency medical kits, which will support some 150 000 individuals in need of emergency assistance for a period of 3 months. 

Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, said: “this generous donation reaffirms the Lebanese government’s commitment to working with the international community to ensure access to healthcare services and to implement more joint projects. Vulnerable Lebanese communities are in urgent need of care and support, and we hope the health sector in Lebanon will soon regain its vital role and full capacity to provide quality healthcare services for all.”

Samy Saadi, the European Union’s Chargé d’affaires a.i. in Beirut, said: “The European Union firmly stands by Lebanon. During the conflict, we refocused our support in various sectors and increased our humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of those displaced by the conflict. Today, we are donating vital medical supplies to the Ministry of Public Health to ensure that those affected by the conflict continue to receive the critical healthcare they need”.

This shipment brings to 418 tons the total humanitarian assistance provided by the European Union in response to the conflict in Lebanon. The Humanitarian Air Bridge operations started in October 2024, through which the European Union funded a total of 12 flights to Beirut carrying supplies from the EU, its Member States and several humanitarian organisations.

“In the face of a worsening humanitarian crisis, it is critical to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines,” said Akil Iyer, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon “This generous donation by the European Union shows our commitment to supporting Lebanon’s health sector and safeguarding the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable populations, especially women and children.”

Since the conflict began in September 2023, UNICEF has provided a total of 200 metric tons of medical supplies, reaching approximately 2 million people affected by the rapidly escalating conflict. By working closely with the Ministry of Public Health and partners, UNICEF continues to support Lebanon’s healthcare system in delivering lifesaving care where it is needed most.