Older people in Lebanon face worsening humanitarian crisis

Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis has deepened following the recent escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, despite a fragile ceasefire agreed last week between Israel and Lebanon. Age International is working with HelpAge International and partners in Lebanon to reach older people left without access to healthcare and other essential services.

Thousands have been killed by air strikes, and the increasing violence and urgent evacuation orders have forced over 1 million people to flee, many into temporary shelters. Some older people have been unwilling or unable to leave their homes despite the dangers they face staying behind, while those who have fled often find shelters overcrowded and poorly equipped to meet their mobility and care needs. Age International and HelpAge International's partner organisations, Amel Association and IDRAAC, are providing age-inclusive emergency support to older people affected by the crisis.

The health system is under severe strain, with many hospitals and health centres no longer operating. This has left older people and those with chronic conditions struggling to access treatment and medication. The current crisis is also taking a heavy toll on the mental health of those who have already lived through years of conflict and economic instability. In response, Amel Association has launched a nationwide emergency response, providing primary healthcare and mental health services through its network of health centres and mobile medical units.

Outreach teams are also identifying and supporting older people who face barriers accessing help due to mobility, transport or cost. This includes providing psychological first aid – helping people in distress feel safer and better able to cope by listening and offering practical support.

Thanks to donations from the UK public to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal, in recent months 600 displaced older people have received mattresses, hygiene kits containing items like soap and toothpaste, and incontinence pads. These items help meet older people’s basic needs, prevent infection and maintain their dignity.

Over the next nine months, appeal funds will enable Amel Association to scale up their response through mobile care teams of doctors, nurses and facilitators. These teams will deliver health consultations to hundreds of displaced older people and provide medication, incontinence pads and assistive technology such as wheelchairs, walking sticks and crutches.

Alison Marshall, CEO of Age International, said:
“The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is having a disproportionate impact on older people, who are often underserved by emergency response programmes. Thanks to the generosity of the UK public, our partners have been able to reach older people with tailored support. However, even with a ceasefire in place, the scale of the crisis means our continued support is critical to ensure that older people aren’t overlooked or left out.”