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Did you know that 11 million children die each year before the age of five - that is about 30,000 every day - because they have not received the care they deserve as a right. This dreadful reality must change.
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On 12th January 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, killing thousands and causing major damage to the Carribbean nation already struggling with political violence and poverty. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere where 85% of the population already live in poverty.
ChildFund Alliance is responding to the devastation, focusing on the needs of children, through: The ChildFund Alliance through its global partnership which includes Ireland, Taiwan, New Zealand and the United States has made an initial contribution to these partners of more than $400,000 in order to provide medical care, rehabilitation and orthopaedic services primarily geared to help children in Haiti. CBM reports that inidividuals with disabilities, already amongst the poorest Haitians receiving only the most basic of services, have had their ranks swelled by those newly disabled in the earthquake. For every child who has died in Haiti, CBM estimates that three will be left with lifelong disabilities. The number of children now coping with loss of limbs, loss of sight and other disabilities is catastrophic. It is critical that organisations work together for the most effeicient and effective response. CBM is working in the community and hospitals to identify children and adults in need of rehabilitation so that their serious injuries do not become lifelong disabilities. From the start of ChildFund's partnership with CBM, a priority was to establish Child Centred Spaces. The first centre is now open in Port-au-Prince. The spaces provide places for children to gather and offer alternative basic education in a structured environment. Children are able to resume a schedule and focus on something other than the loss around them. Children without disabilities are also welcome at the centre. Typically very little relief aid is accessible to those with disabilities but CBM is committed to making sure that these survivors get not only life-saving care but that they will continue to receive long-term care after the immediate disaster is over.
1. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada, which is a member of the Policy Action Group on Emergency Response. MCC responded within hours, providing immediate delivery of relief materials including water, food, medical services and non-food items (NFIs).
2. Christian Blind Mission (CBM) which is the world's largest international non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are blind or have other disabilities has worked in Haiti since 1976 and has three child-focused projects in Port au Prince.
To support ChildFund efforts, please send your donation by cheque or postal order, marked Haiti Appeal, to ChildFund Ireland, 63 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. Alternatively please contact our office on 01 6762128 should you wish to make a credit card donation over the phone. 100% of your donation will be sent to support the efforts in Haiti.
