Kiwis and Govt generous but more money needed

KIWIS AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE GENEROUS – BUT PAKISTAN’S PROBLEM IS HUGE, MORE MONEY IS NEEDED.

It is going to take much more money than both the Government and ordinary people have already given to have any significant impact on Pakistan.

“UNICEF is really grateful for the support that the Government has already given for Pakistan,” says UNICEF New Zealand chief executive Dennis McKinlay.

The NZ Government has provided two million dollars in emergency relief, half of which is being distributed by UNICEF.

UNICEF aims to raise $NZ67 m internationally.

The average Kiwi aid donor is also being very generous, for which UNICEF is very grateful.

“Aid from UNICEF is now being delivered to people on the ground in Pakistan,” Mr McKinlay says.

This aid is addressing key factors that affect child health – water supply, prevention of water-borne diseases, nutrition and shelter.

But the situation in Pakistan is getting worse every day and it looks like the rains could continue for the next two weeks.

“Imagine what that will be like, when your house has been washed away. Your family has lived in the area for generations. It’s all gone and you have to go and live in a school,” he says.

“Aid needs to be massively scaled up. We have made a good start, but it’s going to be a long haul.”

“People who want to give need to donate to experienced organisations like UNICEF. The money will be spent effectively.”

“UNICEF can guarantee they have strong financial systems that ensure that money will be spent where it should be.”

Pakistan is now in danger of being seriously affected long term. It could easily take two years for its food production to recover from the floods, which are ongoing.

People have had to leave villages that have been occupied for generations. Hundreds of schools have bee flooded, livelihoods destroyed.

UNICEF is particularly concerned with the risk of water-borne diseases and working with the Government to ensure that basic water, sanitation and hygiene services are repaired to prevent major health outbreaks.

How you can help
Bid on MIke, Ali or Gareth in the UNICEF NZ Trade Me auction for Pakistan
Donate to UNICEF NZ's Pakistan Emergency Appeal