Exploring Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Nutrition Initiatives in Collective Shelters for Displaced Children in Lebanon: Insights and Global Implications
1
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
2
School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
3
Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3389
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Forced displacement is rising globally, leaving many displaced and asylum-seeking children in overcrowded shelters with limited services, where their rights are unmet and their nutrition and development are at risk.
AIM:
This study explores how Lebanon’s Early Childhood Development ECD and nutrition programs during the recent conflict align with international standards, using this case to inform global efforts to protect young children’s development in crisis settings.
METHODS:
A desk review was conducted to identify existing policies and guidance documents related to child nutrition and development during crises. This was followed by in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to explore the implementation and perceived effectiveness of ECD and nutrition initiatives.
RESULTS:
The desk review revealed that Lebanon has policies promoting breastfeeding and providing nutrition supplements for children under five during crises, has recommendations on ECD interventions but not specific to escalated crisis settings. Thirteen key informant interviews were conducted and included stakeholders from governmental and non governmental organizations and frontliners. They all confirmed the presence of standard operating procedures (SOPs), but described fragmented efforts on implementation. Simple rapid assessments for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) were conducted but applied inconsistently, and despite these efforts, blanket distribution of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) was still observed in certain shelters. Complementary feeding jars were distributed along with the hot meals increasing food acceptability in children. ECD kits were distributed but with no proper training for caregivers. Initiatives like play corners and breastfeeding corners in shelters faced spatial and practical challenges along with absence of constant safe water.
CONCLUSIONS:
While Lebanon demonstrates partial alignment with global nutrition-in-crisis guidance, gaps in coordinated implementation reflect broader global challenges faced in crisis-affected countries, underscoring the need for integrated national plans that jointly address nutrition and ECD to meet international nurturing care standards.
Forced displacement is rising globally, leaving many displaced and asylum-seeking children in overcrowded shelters with limited services, where their rights are unmet and their nutrition and development are at risk.
AIM:
This study explores how Lebanon’s Early Childhood Development ECD and nutrition programs during the recent conflict align with international standards, using this case to inform global efforts to protect young children’s development in crisis settings.
METHODS:
A desk review was conducted to identify existing policies and guidance documents related to child nutrition and development during crises. This was followed by in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to explore the implementation and perceived effectiveness of ECD and nutrition initiatives.
RESULTS:
The desk review revealed that Lebanon has policies promoting breastfeeding and providing nutrition supplements for children under five during crises, has recommendations on ECD interventions but not specific to escalated crisis settings. Thirteen key informant interviews were conducted and included stakeholders from governmental and non governmental organizations and frontliners. They all confirmed the presence of standard operating procedures (SOPs), but described fragmented efforts on implementation. Simple rapid assessments for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) were conducted but applied inconsistently, and despite these efforts, blanket distribution of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) was still observed in certain shelters. Complementary feeding jars were distributed along with the hot meals increasing food acceptability in children. ECD kits were distributed but with no proper training for caregivers. Initiatives like play corners and breastfeeding corners in shelters faced spatial and practical challenges along with absence of constant safe water.
CONCLUSIONS:
While Lebanon demonstrates partial alignment with global nutrition-in-crisis guidance, gaps in coordinated implementation reflect broader global challenges faced in crisis-affected countries, underscoring the need for integrated national plans that jointly address nutrition and ECD to meet international nurturing care standards.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
