Summary

The campaign provided assistive devices for 9,910 people who are affected by the Beirut Blast.

Challenge

In Lebanon today, 1 in 7 people is already living with one form of disability. Persons with disability have been among the hardest hit by Lebanon’s manifold crises—a dwindling economy and a persistent outbreak of COVID-19, exacerbated by the recent huge explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut and the whole country.

Solution

We have an opportunity now to support them and to ensure that post-explosion reconstruction sets an example for removing barriers to accessibility.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) are launching a new initiative to support persons with disabilities and reduce their exposure to increasing vulnerabilities due to current crises.

The new Building an Inclusive and Accessible Lebanon Initiative will cater for the most pressing need for assistive devices required to maintain the health and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

UNDP has pledged US$ 1.5 million to establish a unit at the Karantina Hospital that will be a comprehensive point of service for persons with disabilities.

Long-Term Impact

Needs of people with disabilities that are affected by the Beirut Blast is provided and barriers are removed for 9,910 people.