Haiti, Five Years Later

The earthquake that struck Haiti five years ago today was catastrophic, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, with more than 50 major aftershocks in the weeks that followed. In just 45 seconds, more than 200,000 people were killed. An estimated quarter-million homes and buildings were destroyed. Haiti was already an impoverished country, making this disaster all the more devastating. Today we take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made.

The generous outpouring of support from Canadians like you helped UNICEF deliver critical, urgent aid to the children and their families who needed it most. And vital progress was made:

• The number of displaced people has dropped from 1.5 million in 2010 to 50,000 today. • Some 750,000 children and more than 15,000 teachers received learning and teaching materials. • 1,497,900 children received hygiene promotion materials, including soap for protection against cholera. • Almost 3 million children were protected against vaccine-preventable disease, with routine immunization increasing from 58% to more than 80%. Maternal and neonatal tetanus vaccination alone reached coverage rates of close to 85%.

Today is an important reminder of what our supporters help make possible. But our work isn’t done yet. At least 70% of the population still lives in poverty and a million more are vulnerable. Infant mortality rates remain high, as do malnutrition rates. Half of households in rural areas do not have access to safe water. An estimated 12% of primary aged children are not attending school. There is still a long road ahead and UNICEF teams remain on the ground. But, with supporters like you by our side, I am confident that we can reach every child in Haiti, and around the world. Thank you, David Morley President & CEO, UNICEF Canada