Haiti earthquake children's appeal
UNICEF is urgently appealing for emergency assistance to aid the victims of a devastating earthquake that rocked the Caribbean nation of Haiti on 12 January. The quake, which registered 7.0 on the Richter scale, triggered a tsunami warning for neighbouring countries situated in the Caribbean Sea. The earthquake was centered about 14 miles west of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, and early news stories report wide-spread devastation.
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has a population of 9.6 million inhabitants, of which more than half are under 21 years old. UNICEF has been working in Haiti since 1949 and works directly with Haiti's government on developing long-term solutions to problems caused by poverty and lack of basic health care, education and sanitation services.
The country has been suffering from long-term political strife and a severely depressed economy. In recent years the effects of the global food crisis and particularly strong hurricane seasons have left the country dangerously vulnerable. This catastrophe will only exacerbate the already critical situation for the people of Haiti, especially women and children.
UNICEF’s response
In coordination with other UN agencies, UNICEF has deployed an emergency team from New York, Panama and neighbouring country Dominican Republic to assess the damage on the ground and provide vital humanitarian assistance where it is most needed.
Life-saving supplies are being rushed into the hardest-hit communities in Haiti. So far these include oral rehydration salts to combat deadly diarrhoea episodes; water purifications tablets; and tarpaulins and tents to provide temporary housing for thousands of affected children and families.
More tarpaulins, blankets, emergency health kits, jerry cans and other supplies are also on their way. UNICEF has released over £2 million toward the relief efforts but we urgently need more funds to provide access to adequate sanitation, safe water and basic health care.
To get the latest news on the Haiti earthquake children's appeal or to make a donation please click here www.unicef.org.uk/orangehaiti or if you are an Orange customer you can donate £2.50 right now by texting donate to 864233
Orange UK is UNICEF's official emergency relief partner
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has a population of 9.6 million inhabitants, of which more than half are under 21 years old. UNICEF has been working in Haiti since 1949 and works directly with Haiti's government on developing long-term solutions to problems caused by poverty and lack of basic health care, education and sanitation services.
The country has been suffering from long-term political strife and a severely depressed economy. In recent years the effects of the global food crisis and particularly strong hurricane seasons have left the country dangerously vulnerable. This catastrophe will only exacerbate the already critical situation for the people of Haiti, especially women and children.
UNICEF’s response
In coordination with other UN agencies, UNICEF has deployed an emergency team from New York, Panama and neighbouring country Dominican Republic to assess the damage on the ground and provide vital humanitarian assistance where it is most needed.
Life-saving supplies are being rushed into the hardest-hit communities in Haiti. So far these include oral rehydration salts to combat deadly diarrhoea episodes; water purifications tablets; and tarpaulins and tents to provide temporary housing for thousands of affected children and families.
More tarpaulins, blankets, emergency health kits, jerry cans and other supplies are also on their way. UNICEF has released over £2 million toward the relief efforts but we urgently need more funds to provide access to adequate sanitation, safe water and basic health care.
To get the latest news on the Haiti earthquake children's appeal or to make a donation please click here www.unicef.org.uk/orangehaiti or if you are an Orange customer you can donate £2.50 right now by texting donate to 864233
Orange UK is UNICEF's official emergency relief partner
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