By
Lebanon's Ministry of Health and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have launched Assistance & Care for War-Wounded and Affected Children (ACWA)" Programme.
In a statement on Friday, the UNICEF said the scheme would be carried out, in coordination with International Network for Aid, Relief & Assistance (INARA) and Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund, to offer full healthcare services to those vulnerable children.
Meanwhile, Lebanese health minister Dr. Rakan Nassereddine said "in the face of unimaginable hardship, our children's resilience remains our nation's most precious asset. "The 'Assistance & Care for War-Wounded and Affected Children (ACWA)' Programme, forged in partnership with UNICEF, INARA, and the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children's Fund, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding their health and well-being," he noted.
Also, Ghassan Abu Sitta said: "An injured child has a growing body, and the injury hinders the child's growth. The goal of the 'ACWA' programme is to implement a comprehensive healing journey - from the moment of injury to reconstructive surgeries, physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and reintegration into society. Whether a child requires a prosthetic limb or educational intervention to mitigate the effects of war, our aim is to provide holistic care," according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
Ettie Higgins, UNICEF Deputy representative in Lebanon, said "We cannot allow these children to be forgotten. They have already lost too much-family members, homes, their sense of security. Through this lifeline programme, it is our collective responsibility to ensure they do not lose their future." The ACWA programme takes a holistic approach to addressing children's physical, emotional, and social needs. It aims to provide life-saving medical care, including specialized surgeries and mental health support.
The war erupted in Lebanon resulted in the killing of at least 4,000 people, including 316 children, and the injury of 1,500 other children, Lebanon's ministry of health said in December 2024.
