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UNICEF aid is getting through
This is a post by Sue Avison, Communications Intern at UNICEF NZ.
As you know, last week Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, was hit by the worst earthquake in two centuries.
Daily news bulletins have been alerting us to the tragic consequences a disaster of this magnitude is having on Haiti. The UN is saying it is one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades. Not only are as many as 100,000 people presumed dead, but more lives are at risk with the possibility of disease spreading in the overcrowded post-quake conditions.
UNICEF aid is getting through despite being hampered by a small and damaged airport, and a government that has been severely impacted by the disaster. Planes loaded with UNICEF emergency relief supplies have been arriving in Port-au-Prince and the neighbouring Dominican Republic, carrying urgently needed water and sanitation supplies and therapeutic foods.
An injured boy is treated at hospital
Natural disasters often have the biggest impact on women and children and with an estimated 46 per cent of the Haitian population under the age of 18, UNICEF is particularly concerned about the special needs of children. UNICEF’s priority is to make sure Haitian children get the essential help they need as soon as possible. Access to safe water and sanitation facilities, along with adequate nutrition are critical to children’s survival.
Searching the web and watching the daily news, I’m in awe of the logistics and the enormity of the relief efforts required to ensure millions of people have access to the basics of life.
But what continues to be heartening is the generosity of New Zealanders. Unsolicited donations have been flooding into UNICEF NZ since the disaster first happened and the support for a nation of people thousands of miles from our shores has been overwhelming.
As Mahatma Ghandi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Maybe the plight of the Haitians is your opportunity to make a difference and support a nation to build back better.
If you haven’t already supported UNICEF’s work in Haiti, I encourage you to do so. It will make a difference!
To support UNICEF’s disaster relief efforts for children, please donate online