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The Middle East is in flames, and Norwegian Church Aid is responding in both Syria and Lebanon to the enormous needs caused by the recent waves of displacement. The foundation we have built over many years is now saving lives. We provide vital water, psychological first aid, and food.
On Saturday, 28 February, the world woke up to a major war in the Middle East. Since then, the situation has only continued to worsen. People are fleeing for their lives, humanitarian needs are acute, and thousands lack access to water and food.
Norwegian Church Aid has worked in the Middle East for many years, responding to crises in both Lebanon and Syria. Our work includes water, sanitation and hygiene, psychological first aid, and food security.
Last year and so far, this year, we have reached almost 200,000 people in Lebanon with our water programs. In Syria, our water work reached 300,000 people last year.
“There is an urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to people who are once again forced to flee. Fortunately, Norwegian Church Aid’s long-term presence makes it possible for communities to still have access to clean water and food from their own gardens,” says Håvard Hovdhaugen, Country Director for Norwegian Church Aid in Lebanon and Syria.
Right now, 60,000 people are displaced in Lebanon. Many have sought refuge in public buildings and schools. One of Norwegian Church Aid’s health centers where we have repaired water systems, built toilets, and provided solar power—is now working at full capacity to respond.
“When I visited last week, they told me they can now offer even better services to surrounding villages through mobile clinics for vulnerable people, thanks to improved efficiency through reliable water and electricity. They are now actively responding to ten different temporary refugee settlements,” Hovdhaugen says.
The area around the health clinic has hosted many refugees from Syria, but 80 percent of them have now returned to Syria. The clinic reaches 100,000 people, and twice a week the staff travel out with mobile clinics. This was not possible before the clinic received access to water and electricity, explains Israa Ahmad, nurse and quality coordinator at the clinic. Now they are preparing to reach people directly affected by the recent attacks.
More than 10,000 people who previously fled war and violence in Syria are now returning home. Authorities operating the border crossing together with the Civil Defense in rural areas around Damascus report a large influx.
“Many families are now returning to Syria with nothing. They lack food, water, clothing, and a place to stay,” says Hovdhaugen. Norwegian Church Aid is deeply concerned about the situation.
“We fear this is only the beginning, and that the number of people crossing the border will continue to increase,” he says.
In addition to food and water, families urgently need blankets, warm clothing, medicine, and hygiene kits for women and girls.
“The Middle East is on fire. Norwegian Church Aid has been present since 2012; we know the context and we have strong local partners here. We are ready to respond to the major humanitarian challenges caused by these waves of displacement. We will provide clean water, food, blankets, warm clothing, and hygiene items that people now desperately need while fleeing.”
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