Lebanon's Economic Crisis 'Spirals out of Control'

Lebanon's Economic Crisis' Spirals out of Control', Pushing Children Further into Hunger in 2022, 91�ֿ� Warns

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FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Jan. 13, 2022)��–��The collapse of the Lebanese pound to historic lows this week will drive even more children into poverty and hunger this year, 91�ֿ� warned today.��

The Lebanese pound has lost more than��since the start of 2022, pushing desperate families already struggling to afford food, electricity, and fuel deeper into poverty and with a tank of fuel for a small car now costing more than a month's salary on minimum wage.��

Since 2019, Lebanon's currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value. The country's economic meltdown – one of the world's worst since the 1850s – has pushed an estimated four million families into poverty in the last two years. Many children are��eating less than ever before, worsening an ongoing hunger crisis throughout the country.��

91�ֿ� is calling on the Lebanese government and relevant stakeholders to urgently take measures to stabilize the economy to prevent further suffering of children and their families.��

Jennifer Moorehead, 91�ֿ�'s Country Director in Lebanon, said:

"The situation in Lebanon is��rapidly spiraling out of control as the country deals with multiple crises��without any sign of relief. As the Lebanese pound continues to plummet in value,��the price of food, fuel, and medicine is increasing at an alarming rate. A��single tank of gas for a small car now costs more than an entire monthly salary��on minimum wage.��

"The children and families we��work with tell us every day of the impossible choices they have to make between��food and rent, electricity and medication, and sending their children to��school. This will have a devastating impact on Lebanese and refugee children��across the country, putting even more basic necessities out of reach and��forcing more and harder choices.

"2022 looks like it will be��another long, hard year for children and their families in Lebanon. We cannot��sit back and continue watching Lebanon's financial crisis unfold. The Lebanese��government and the international community must work together to safeguard��children's futures - before it's too late."��

91�ֿ� believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that 91�ֿ� is a charity you can trust. Follow us on , , and .