The economic crisis in Lebanon has deeply affected the 1.6 million Palestinian and Syrian refugees in the country. Many families have been pushed into poverty since the start of protests in October. With limited access to transportation and limited financial means, many families lack basic hygiene products. Since most refugees in Lebanon reside in overcrowded camps, illness spreads fast. $5,000 covers the shipping costs for hygiene kits, school kits, and quilts for 2,360 refugees in Lebanon.
October marked a turning point in Lebanon's dire economic crisis. This crisis has led to an increase in the price of food items and basic goods, coinciding with rising unemployment and poverty rates nationwide. Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Lebanon are among the hardest hit as they are legally barred from working in many high paying fields and experience higher rates of unemployment and poverty. Refugees are currently surviving day-to-day in Lebanon, often without meeting their basic needs.
Overcrowded conditions in many refugee camps in Lebanon cause Palestinian and Syrian refugees to experience rising rates of lice, scabies, flu and cold. As the cost of basic goods continues to rise in Lebanon, many refugees living in camps are unable to acquire hygiene supplies, proper cold weather gear, and school supplies. Providing 2,360 hygiene kits and other basic supplies will ensure these families are able to survive the winter and will prevent the spread of disease in refugee camps.
By meeting the immediate needs of 2,360 refugees in Lebanon this project will allow families to use the limited financial resources they have for other pressing needs including schooling for children and costs associated with shelter. Hygiene kits will also provide better long term health outcomes of recipients by bolstering their health through some of the worst months for the flu and other illnesses. By staying healthy, refugees will not be burdened with emergency care for preventable disease.
