The UN Children’s Fund has put out a worldwide call for $160 million to support its relief operations in Haiti. The funding call is part of a wider United Nations appeal for $762 million to overcome the massive humanitarian obstacles that still face some 3.5 million people affected by the quake.

Tens of thousands of Haitians are feared dead, with many more injured and an unknown number missing. Survivors in Port-au-Prince and other areas affected by the devastating earthquake are living outdoors, surrounded by the ruins of their homes.

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UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, says that the level of destruction in Haiti presents a huge logistical challenge to aid agencies.

“With the port heavily damaged and the airport backed up, getting supplies in to the country and to the affected population is no easy task, but UNICEF is working closely with partner organisations to get aid in as quickly as possible.

“The first load of relief supplies – sufficient for 10,000 families – have already been airlifted into Port-au-Prince. Two additional flights, carrying some 70 tonnes of urgently-needed materials, are expected to arrive over the weekend.

"Among these supplies are water purification tablets, tarpaulins, tents, blankets, jerry cans, and medicines. Also included are oral rehydration salts, which are needed to treat the potentially deadly effects of diarrhoea, especially in young children.

“UNICEF also has pre-positioned supplies in Port-au-Prince and in nearby Panama. In addition to airlifting materials, further supplies will be brought in by road via the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

“Some aid distribution has begun in quake-affected communities themselves. It is likely to accelerate as additional supplies arrive in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

“To facilitate the transport of incoming aid, specialists from UNICEF's Supply Division will be on hand to help reduce any bottlenecks that develop at the airports.”

Mr McKinlay says that UNICEF's efforts are focused on water and sanitation, therapeutic food for infants and small children, medical supplies and temporary shelter, which are among the urgent needs.

"Water is the most critical supply that we need to get to these people as soon as possible.

“UNICEF will also be working to prioritise interventions that keep children safe from water-borne and other diseases, guard against child malnutrition, protect children separated from their families, and to get temporary education centres up and running.

“It is important to get children back to school as soon as possible because this establishes a sense of normalcy, helps them recover from the trauma they have experienced, and provides a safe and protective environment.”

How you can help
Please donate to UNICEF NZ’s Haiti Emergency Appeal by calling 0800-800-194 or donate online