It’s been five years since Haiti was devastated by a powerful earthquake but the CEO of Unicef Canada says there’s a lot more work that needs to be done to help the country recover.
President and CEO of Unicef Canada David Morley called for continued international support for the struggling nation on Monday.
“In the weeks following the deadly earthquake, Prime Minister Harper said we needed to commit to Haiti for the long term and that it’s not an exaggeration to say ten years of hard work awaits the world in Haiti. As we commemorate the fifth anniversary today, we’re only half way there. Port-au-Prince and Haiti have come back to where they were at the time of the earthquake,” Morley said in a written statement released to the media.
Morley is visiting Port-au-Prince this week to get an update on the country’s progress.
More than 220,000 people were killed in the earthquake and much of the country’s capital city was destroyed.
Since 2010, the Government of Canada has given $850 million in development and humanitarian aid to Haiti and according to the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development website, “Canada is currently reviewing its engagement in order to maximize aid effectiveness and support the achievement of sustainable results.”
While Morley says significant progress has been made in the areas of education enrollment, child survival and child protection legislation, many challenges still remain.
“Funds are running low and the children of Haiti must not fall off of the world’s radar. This isn’t what was envisioned when the world rallied to build a stronger Haiti in the aftermath of this deadly earthquake,” he said.
Morely said Haitians still struggle with access to clean water, drop-out rates and a high prevalence of HIV.
“In recent days I’ve met some of the most incredible, heroic Haitians who need our support to keep the momentum going to build a stronger Haiti,” he said.
“And, as always, meeting children who are incredibly resilient and brave in the face of so much adversity reminds us why Canada and the global community must continue to keep Haiti as a priority.”
