Japan Grants $1.5 Million to UNICEF to provide WASH and health services to nearly 900,000 people as part of the emergency response to the Cholera Outbreak in Haiti
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PORT-AU-PRINCE, JANUARY 20, 2023 - The Government of Japan has granted UNICEF $1.5 million US dollars equaling over 193 million Japanese Yen as an emergency grant to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services as well as health care to an estimate of 900,000 children and families affected by the recent outbreak of cholera in Haiti.
After more than three years with no reported cases, cholera has reemerged in Haiti, with over 24,000 suspected cases and 496 deaths reported as of January 17, 2023.
The disease is now spreading to other departments, with high levels of food insecurity and a deteriorating humanitarian situation exacerbating the impact on children.
The grant from Japan will help ensure access to safe drinking water and critical hygiene supplies and services for households and communities affected by the outbreak, with a focus on healthcare facilities and shelters, as well as preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
“Japan has been providing support to the Haitian Government through UNICEF in the fight against cholera in Haiti for several years. Following the discovery of new cases in October 2022, and to respond once again to the flash appeal of the Government of Haiti and the United Nations, we have decided to provide further emergency assistance worth a total of US$3 million through UNICEF, WFP, and IFRC to support the most vulnerable populations facing this epidemic. We hope this Japanese assistance will contribute to the improvement of sanitation in Haiti.”
The project activities will target hotspot locations in key communes of the Ouest, Grande-Anse, and Artibonite, as well as strategic locations that will be selected jointly with the Ministry of Health based on the evolving needs of the outbreak.
"The Government of Japan's grant to UNICEF is a beacon of hope for the affected communities in Haiti. It will provide access to safe drinking water and critical hygiene supplies and services, which are essential in preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases. This vital support will significantly improve the health and well-being of children and families affected by this crisis."
This contribution from Japan will enable UNICEF to continue to work closely with the Haitian government and other partners to respond to the cholera outbreak and support affected communities.
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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit https://www.unicef.org/Haiti.
