WFP
“This is a scenario I have never witnessed before,” Cyril Noujeim shares his experience in being part of the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) response in Lebanon in 2020.
Six months ago, all eyes turned to Lebanon’s capital Beirut after a massive blast ripped through its port and revived the wounds of a fragile population facing civil discontent, an ongoing socio-economic crisis, and a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases. Six months ago, all eyes turned to Lebanon’s capital Beirut after a massive blast ripped through its port and revived the wounds of a fragile population facing civil discontent, an ongoing socio-economic crisis, and a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases.
WFP
The World Food Programme geared up to serve more people than ever in the country whose economic woes were worsened by COVID-19 and the Beirut port blast
WFP wheat shipment arrives into Beirut Port two weeks after the blast that shook the city. Photo: WFP/Malak Jaafar
Lebanon-where WFP has had a presence since 2012-has suffered multiple shocks over the past 12 months. These have had a devastating effect on its people. Compounding socio-economic and political woes, the country’s health system is under severe pressure with the impact of COVID-19. On 4 August, the Beirut port blast increased the number of families sinking into poverty, with the more affluent sharing the plight of already vulnerable communities.