Middle East Escalation in Violence

As violence escalates across the Middle East, Americares is concerned for the safety and wellbeing of civilians, especially in areas where hostilities have displaced millions of people and strained already fragile health systems.

Americares is responding to health needs in Lebanon and Syria, supporting partner organizations providing health services to those directly affected by the crisis.

The Health Needs in Lebanon

In Lebanon, more than 1 million people have left their homes and are displaced within the country. The violence they are fleeing is very real: The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports more than 1,800 people have been killed and more than 6,000 injured since early March 2026.

Health facilities are also in the crossfire: The World Health Organization reports that six hospitals are closed, and 55 primary health care centers are closed, limiting access to essential health services.

Americares has a long history of supporting the health needs of vulnerable populations in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, including those displaced by conflict or experiencing stress and trauma.

“It’s critical that we continue to focus on the immediate health needs of people impacted by this conflict. People who are sheltering in place or forced to evacuate need everything from trauma care and primary care to mental health services.” — Americares Deputy Senior Vice President of Emergency Programs, Provash Budden

Emergency Aid for Lebanon and Syria

Americares is helping to meet health needs in Lebanon and Syria.

• In Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health identified a nationwide shortage of critical emergency intravenous medications needed for trauma and emergency surgical care. Americares is providing funding to supply a partner health organization in Lebanon with more than 19,000 treatments – our partner estimates this will treat 10,000 patients in six hospitals over a three-month period.
• In Lebanon, Americares is supporting mobile medical clinics with emergency funding so they can serve approximately 2,000 displaced people seeking safety in 24 shelters in Saida, Lebanon. The mobile team will provide essential primary care, medications and referrals directly inside shelters, reducing pressure on overwhelmed health facilities. Americares is in contact with partners operating throughout Lebanon and will continue to collaborate to meet health needs on the ground.
• In Syria, Americares is offering assistance to partners seeing an influx of patients who have fled Lebanon to seek safety. Americares ongoing aid to local partners in Syria also continues: More than 28 tons of medicine and medical supplies from Americares recently arrived in Syria. This support helps sustain health services and strengthen response capacity in Syria in times of crisis.