The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the provision of over $17.4 million in additional humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people through the World Food Program (WFP) and two non-governmental organizations. This assistance aims to help vulnerable Lebanese citizens continue to access food and medical care. According to the agency's statement, with the rising prices of essential food items and fuel, and the undermining of livelihoods, the worsening economic crisis in Lebanon continues to generate humanitarian needs due to the ongoing decline in the purchasing power of needy groups and their difficulty in accessing healthcare.
The statement added that more than $11.1 million in additional humanitarian aid from USAID will be provided by the WFP to 300,000 needy Lebanese individuals, comprising household food parcels that last for approximately two months, helping to improve food security for around 75,000 families. In addition to the WFP food parcels, which are sourced within Lebanon to support the local economy, the packages supply about 65 percent of daily needs and include staples such as rice and bulgur, legumes like lentils and beans, as well as pasta, canned fish, oil, and other essential foods. This program complements the national social safety net programs led by the Lebanese government, targeting needy Lebanese who do not have access to these safety nets.
Moreover, with $6.3 million in humanitarian aid provided by USAID, International Relief (RI) and the International Medical Corps (IMC) continue to support at least 11 primary healthcare clinics (PHCCs) across Lebanon, in addition to home care. Through funding provided by USAID during the 2022 fiscal year, these clinics, supported by RI and IMC, have treated over 96,000 patients, 72 percent of whom are Lebanese.
The statement concluded by affirming that the United States continues to stand by the people of Lebanon whenever needed.
