Emergency aid to Lebanon has been significantly increased by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) following the recent escalation of the conflict. The focus is currently on developing healthcare infrastructure, supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), and providing concrete assistance to the regions most affected by the attacks.
Healthcare and emergency aid to Lebanon
One of the key goals is establishing new medical support centres in the south of the country. In partnership with the Maronite Catholic Church, ACN plans to establish a medical centre in Qlayaa, a Christian-majority town near the border. This town was previously served by Fr. Pierre el-Raï, who was killed in an attack on March 9.
While Qlayaa has medical personnel, it suffers from a lack of equipment, medication, and funding. ACN’s intervention aims to cover medical staff salaries and provide necessary hardware and medication. This is crucial as many people have recently succumbed to their injuries due to a lack of emergency medical attention.
Parishes and monasteries as emergency shelters
The foundation has launched new projects to support those forced to flee their homes:
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Eparchy of Sidon: Providing food and basic goods to around 1,500 IDPs in southeast Lebanon.
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Baalbek Region: Supporting 8,000 people in the Bekaa Valley who were displaced by the fighting.
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Church Network: Parishes and monasteries have been converted into shelters, coordinating care for those living in Church buildings or with host families.
The Church provides this assistance to all in need, regardless of religious affiliation. Additionally, ACN is preparing to support the fuel crisis, as many infrastructures rely on generators due to constant electricity cuts.
Specific support for children and long-term presence
To help families and children process the trauma of flight and violence, ACN is distributing packages that include games and Bibles. These measures build on a long-term relationship; during the 2024 escalation, ACN provided over four million euros for projects including trauma support and medical care.
Local coordinators emphasize that the Church remains the main contact point for people under these difficult conditions.
“Our strength lies in the fact that we remain”.
