Help for the elderly and people with disabilities
The impact of the multidimensional political, social, and economic crisis that Lebanon is facing extends to the core of Lebanese society. Our efforts are for the people of Lebanon, especially those most affected by the crisis - the elderly, people with disabilities and children. By providing basic health care, social support and a vision for a more resilient future, Malteser International and our partners, the Lebanese Association of the Order of Malta, are committed to alleviating suffering and inspiring hope in these difficult times. Through our project "Improving the Health and Social Wellbeing of Vulnerable and Marginalized People in Lebanon," we strive to improve people's access to basic health services and overall quality of life.
Amid the profound economic and social crisis Lebanon has been facing since 2019, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, the recent cholera outbreak, and ongoing political instability, the country's predicament continues to worsen. The inexorable devaluation of the currency has driven the exchange rate of the Lebanese pound (LBP) to unprecedented lows, exacerbating price pressures. In addition, unemployment has risen from 11.4 percent in 2018 and 2019 to 29.6 percent in 2022, leaving one-third of the population unemployed and without income.
Access to basic services, including health care, education, clean water and sanitation, has deteriorated significantly. The education system has collapsed, leaving vulnerable children without adequate schooling. Water and sanitation infrastructure is on the verge of collapse, as demonstrated by the recent cholera outbreak. The lack of electricity further aggravates the crisis, affecting every area from food storage to the safety of people, especially women and girls.
In addition, the elderly and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable during the crisis in Lebanon, due to the collapse of health and social insurance benefits and savings of the elderly, the closure of care facilities for persons with disabilities, and the economic and social problems faced by their families in their role as caregivers.
Through our project "Improving the Health and Social Wellbeing of Vulnerable and Marginalized People in Lebanon", we aim to meet the basic needs of elderly people and persons with disabilities and promote their well-being and social inclusion through a free care and social program in three day care centers. We also aim to improve access to basic health services through subsidized consultations for the most vulnerable.
- Maintaining the social well-being of the elderly, people with disabilities, and children by offering a range of activities and services at three day care centers
- Providing the elderly with a total of 18,000 nutritious meals over the life of the project
- Providing the elderly with psychosocial support
- Distribution of food and hygiene kits
- Conducting social activities, outings, and advocacy programs
- In addition to the day care centers: organizing 5 camps for marginalized people, including people with disabilities and children
- Providing subsidized medical services to beneficiaries, including general medical consultations, laboratory services, imaging, mental health, dental services, paramedical services and medication dispensing
Country info
Capitol: Beirut
Area: 10.452 km²
Population: approx. 6.8 million
Project data
Project duration: June 2023 - May 2024
Donors: ADH - Germany's Relief Coalition, Malteser Germany, private donations
Partner: Order of Malta Lebanon
