Three Months after Haiti Quake, Life Still Perilous for Children
Port au Prince, Haiti — Three months after a 7-magnitude earthquake caused massive destruction in Haiti’s capital and surrounding areas, children are receiving much-needed aid.
However, they still face a host of threats to their well-being, according to a new report by Save the Children called “Helping Haiti’s Children.”
The January 12 earthquake, which affected more than 3 million people and left more than one-third of them homeless, has exacted a heavy toll on Haiti’s children. Those who escaped death themselves have lost family members, friends, belongings and familiar surroundings.
In the midst of debris and displacement, they are more vulnerable to disease, injury, abuse and exploitation. Meanwhile, their future opportunities are in jeopardy, as Haiti’s education system lies in ruins.
“One cannot exaggerate the scale of this disaster and its aftermath. Children are still living in crowded camps and rubble-filled cities — and few of their families can provide them with the basics without assistance. They remain highly vulnerable,” said Charles MacCormack, Save the Children’s president and CEO.
He added, “While we are working around the clock to provide assistance and help mitigate risks to children and families, we still have much to do before better days and a better future are ensured for Haiti’s children.”
Over the last three months and in coordination with Haitian authorities, the international community, local and international organizations and communities, Save the Children has reached an estimated 553,000 people — at least 240,000 of them children — with lifesaving and life-sustaining assistance.
Working in Port-au-Prince, Léogâne, Jacmel, Petit Goâve and surrounding environs, the organization is focusing on providing food, shelter, health, child protection, clean water, sanitation, education and livelihoods programs for affected families.
According to the report, Save the Children in the last three months has:
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For additional information, view the full report.
Updated 04-09-2010
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