Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Niharika Prabhu
POSITION PAPER
Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: Lebanon
Committee: UNICEF
Delegation: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Niha Prabhu
The Republic of Lebanon has recognized child malnutrition as a major humanitarian and development issue that threatens children’s well being, ability to learn, and health over the long term. Malnutrition is a situation that includes the above examples and yet goes far beyond just hunger, it is simply not eating enough. The main presentation of malnutrition may be a lack of food supply and energy that results in deficient weight and difficulties in growth. The United Nations Children’s Fund divulges that food insecurity among the most vulnerable has worsened due to the unstable economy which is a result of the conflict. Lebanon reaffirms that combating child malnutrition is not only a matter of health but also a prerequisite for a durable peace and national reconciliation.
Food insecurity and child malnutrition have worsened drastically due to Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis, which is considered to be one of the worst in modern history. Since 2019, families’ purchasing power has been significantly reduced mainly due to the currency devaluation, high inflation, and unemployment rise. UNICEF Lebanon reports that more households are experiencing situations where their children have to skip meals or go to bed hungry, as a result of their financial hardships. Among the groups most adversely affected have been the internally displaced communities and local residents under the poverty level. Being one of the top countries hosting refugees per capita in the world, especially from neighbouring Syria, Lebanon along with its own infrastructure, food systems, and resources is being overtaxed. Child stunting, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies have all increased as a result of this Exacerbated crisis. At the same time, fresh, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein sources have become less affordable, forcing many families to turn to less expensive, high calorie, low nutrient foods. This change raises the risk of childhood obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases in addition to undernutrition. Lebanon faces long-term developmental setbacks and generations of children who will suffer irreversible Health consequences if immediate action is not taken.
Despite the challenges, Lebanon has made great progress in combating malnutrition through collaboration with international organizations. In order to increase nutrition screen programs, therapeutic feeding initiatives, and financial aid programs for families in need, the Ministry of Public Health has partnered with UNICEF and the World Food Programme. To guarantee that kids eat at least one wholesome meal every day, especially in public schools, school feeding programs have been established and expanded. Lebanon continues to work with international humanitarian organizations to improve food security monitoring and response systems as part of its commitment to accomplishing the sustainable development Goals, especially Goal: Zero Hunger.
The Lebanon delegation suggests a thorough, ulti-pronged strategy to fight malnutrition. First, Lebanon demands more international financing and aid for nations dealing with a confluence of refugee and economic crises. Micronutrient supplementation, maternal nutrition programs, and school feeding programs must all receive steady funding from sustainable sources. Second, in order to lessen dependency on imports and increase resilience, Lebanon promotes the development of local food systems through support for domestic food production and investments in small-scale agriculture. Third, in order to encourage balanced diets and wise food choices, the delegation stresses the significance of nutrition education initiatives aimed at parents, guardians, and young people. Last but not least, Lebanon calls on UNICEF and member nations to improve data gathering and early warning systems in order to spot and address malnutrition trends before they become serious emergencies.
The international community can protect vulnerable children and help countries like Lebanon rebuild stronger, healthier societies by combining humanitarian relief with structural economic support and sustainable food policies. Lebanon is adamant that fighting malnutrition requires a global effort and the Republic of Lebanon is committed to working cooperatively with UNICEF to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive free from malnutrition.
