Middle East Crisis 2006

9 August 2006

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel lasted little over a month, but saw more than a thousand people killed, millions internally displaced and Lebanese infrastructure left in ruins.

The crisis left Lebanon's population at risk of severe health problems and desperately in need of medical care and treatment.

Air raids on cities and residential areas forced many to flee their homes for temporary shelter in schools or makeshift accommodation. For those who had homes to return to, the lack of water and electricity they faced were urgent problems.

Y Care International launched an appeal in August 2006 to enable its partner, the YMCA of Lebanon, to provide medication, food staples and basic hygiene supplies to people affected by the humanitarian crisis brought on by the conflict.

The YMCA of Lebanon has been working in the country since 1890 and is well-placed to respond to the needs of its communities particularly in times of crisis. Its vast experience of providing medication and medical care enabled it to deliver aid quickly and effectively to the worst-affected communities.

With Lebanon's infrastructure left crippled, damaged roads into the area slowed the delivery of vital supplies. However the YMCA of Lebanon was able to work through its network of over 400 decentralised clinics and dispensaries to offer free healthcare and food to those affected.

Despite setbacks, the YMCA Lebanon was able to reach and treat injured people, care for the chronically ill and provide basic food rations to the internally displaced. Y Care International is continuing to support the post-conflict rehabilitation work of YMCA Lebanon.