More UNICEF life-saving emergency supplies, experts arrive in Port-au-Prince
2010-01-18
18 January 2010
More UNICEF life-saving emergency supplies, experts arrive in Port-au-Prince
New York/Hong Kong, 18 January 2010 — Another plane loaded with UNICEF emergency relief supplies arrived on 17 January, carrying urgently needed water and sanitation supplies. This is the second load of UNICEF water and sanitation materials to arrive in Haiti in the past 24 hours. Two experts in water and sanitation were also on the flight. UNICEF’s first shipment contained additional oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets and jerry cans was arrived at the port and relief materials are ready for distribution.
Providing access to clean water and sanitation is essential in the immediate aftermath of disasters, to avoid a second wave of deaths caused by diarrheal diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Children are particularly susceptible to diarrheal diseases.
Two more UNICEF planeloads, loaded with some 70 metric tons of tents, tarpaulin, and medicines, are currently awaiting clearance to fly to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
UNICEF efforts to assist with life-saving and recovery operations in Haiti will focus on providing clean water and sanitation, therapeutic food for infants and small children, medical supplies and temporary shelter and protection.
UNICEF joined the United Nations appeal for HK$4.5 billion (US$575 million) for humanitarian operation in Haiti. The appeal seeks to provide resources to help 3.5 million people for the next 6 months. Given that nearly 50% of Haiti's population is under the age of 18, UNICEF has a particularly critical role to play and is seeking approximately HK$936 million (US$120 million) for its work as part of the humanitarian relief efforts. Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF would like to appeal for more funds from the general public to safeguard the disastrous situation in Haiti.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
About UNICEF Haiti
UNICEF began operations in Haiti in 1949, and currently has 10 international staff and 34 national staff at its office in Port Au-Prince.
Donation to Haiti Earthquake
1. Donation Hotline : 2833 6139
2. Direct Bank- in
|
3. Cheque: Payable to “Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF” (Please send us the cheque with personal details with remark “Haiti” at the back and send to “Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, 3/F, 60 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong.”)