UNICEF emphasized in a statement that “children in Lebanon are at increased risk for health and protection issues – including water-borne diseases such as cholera, hepatitis and diarrhea – because continued bombing in the country exposes the basic services that families depend on to further disruption and damage.” “.
The statement said: “In the past few weeks, at least 28 water facilities have been damaged by the conflict, affecting water supplies for more than 360,000 people, most of them in south of the country, however, the true extent of damage to water networks “Technical teams cannot reach many of the affected areas to assess the damage, deliver fuel and carry out the necessary repairs .”
He continued: “Damage from the bombing was also reported in several schools, at least 15 hospitals, and 70 primary health care centers and emergency medical services are now out of service, while 5 more are working to some extent, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. “
UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edward Beigbeder, said: “With the increasing frequency and intensity of bombing in Lebanon, basic infrastructure has been severely damaged and dozens of medical and essential service workers have been killed.” According to international humanitarian law, “Protect humanitarian workers and essential service providers while providing life-saving assistance to families and children living in vulnerable situations children must suffer while the world keeps a close eye on these laws. “
The statement continued: “At the same time that access to services is becoming more difficult, the needs of families are increasing rapidly humanitarian organizations estimate that one million people need health, water and sanitation services in areas such as Beirut and Mount Lebanon, communities are struggling to meet increasing demand. Without access to safe water, children are at risk of contracting water-borne diseases such as cholera or diarrhoea, which, without adequate treatment, can lead to dehydration and death cause, and increased pressure and disruption on health services add to these risks.”
The statement pointed out that “the potential for the spread of other diseases among displaced families is increasing, especially in densely populated areas that lack sanitation supplies and sanitation services,” explaining that “UNICEF has reports of cases of scabies and lice among children in shelters, and there is concern about the risk of disease spreading.” Respiratory System In the coming weeks, with increasing cold and humidity, thousands of people will be living on the streets of Lebanon without shelter, beds or adequate clothing, and the huge increase in displacement and disruption of services leaves children vulnerable to protection risks, including separation from their families.”
He said: “Since October 8, 2023, UNICEF and its partners have been able to identify 67 unaccompanied and separated children, and have since reunited 65 of these children with their families, abuse or child labour.
Bigbeder believed, “Above all, the children of Lebanon need a ceasefire. This is the only way to protect them and ensure that the aid they need can be delivered safely on a large scale. “
2024-10-17 09:36:00
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