As rainy season approaches, emergency shelter, healthcare most critical needs for survivors

Children "extremely vulnerable" in post-disaster setting

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three months after the earthquake in Haiti, international relief agency World Vision has provided aid to around 1.8 million people, bringing much-needed aid to affected families throughout the capital city.

"We see small successes every day," said Liz Satow, deputy response manager for World Vision in Haiti. "Health clinics and mobile health teams are reaching thousands of people. Around 50,000 people in our camps are benefiting from our water and sanitation services. Our Child-Friendly Spaces are attracting around 3,000 children a week."

Despite these great strides, many quake-affected families are still facing serious risks. The problems they face are complex and interlinked, threatening to create new patterns of vulnerability.

"Because there is no work, there is no money for food. Because there is only limited water, and people are forced to crowd together in unsanitary conditions, the risk of illness is very high. With no food, no drinking water, and no jobs, challenges for families multiply," explained Satow.

As the rainy season approaches, emergency shelter and access to healthcare are some of the most critical needs for the displaced. In addition, children continue to be extremely vulnerable, particularly at risk of illness, malnutrition and neglect.

World Vision will continue to provide emergency relief items like food, water, shelter supplies, blankets, and cooking and hygiene kits to the survivors in Port-au-Prince. Longer term projects include family tracing and reunification, strengthening of health services in both urban and rural areas, and an early childhood curriculum in Child-Friendly Spaces.

January's 7.0-magnitude earthquake killed more than 220,000, injured another 300,000 and left at least 1.7 million people displaced from their homes. World Vision's relief and recovery program in Haiti is substantial and long-term, including projects in shelter and housing, sanitation and water, health, livelihoods and child protection. World Vision has been working in Haiti for more than 30 years in relief, development and advocacy.

Fast facts on World Vision's work in Haiti since the earthquake:

• Food distribution: Over 1.5 million people reached
• Shelter: 26,396 tarpaulins, 12,164 blankets and 13,259 mosquito nets
• Water and sanitation services: Reach approximately 14,000 people each day
• Health: 5 camp clinics and 3 mobile clinics provide free medical consultation
• Livelihoods: Cash-for-work activities in camps
• Child protection: Child-Friendly Spaces attended by 3,000 children each week
• Reunification: Caseworkers are searching for families of nearly 300 separated children

World Vision staff are available for interviews. Please contact Casey Calamusa at 206.310.5476 or ccalamus@worldvision.org.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Visit www.worldvision.org/press.

SOURCE World Vision U.S.

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