UNIFIL peacekeepers operating in south-western Lebanon recently launched the “Together Against COVID” campaign as a way of streamlining ongoing UNIFIL support to the host communities in their common fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the campaign, launched on 16 March, UNIFIL Sector West peacekeepers from Ghana, Italy, Ireland, Malaysia and Poland delivered a large amount of personal protective equipment, as well as medical and sanitary consumables, to the communities. The first deliveries went to the three main unions of municipalities within their area of responsibility: Tyre, Bint Jbeil and Tibnin.

A separate donation jointly from UNIFIL’s Irish-Polish Battalion (IRISHPOLBATT) went to the villages of At Tiri, Kunin, Maroun al-Ras, Aytarun, Ain Ebel and Hanine within the Bint Jbeil Municipality.

The beneficiaries, including state institutions and local associations, expressed “profound gratitude,” underlining the importance of support from UNIFIL peacekeepers.

The support modality, which is agreed upon with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and concerned municipalities, is targeted to address needs of the local population as well as rescue organizations.

During one of the deliveries, Capt. Neil Ledwith of IRISHPOLBATT assured community leaders that his unit is committed to extending support whenever possible.