Initial recovery efforts for children in the Philippines whose lives were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan 100 days ago have been a success said UNICEF, the children’s organisation, thanks to the generosity of public donations, including over €6,500 donated by individuals, groups, and companies in Westmeath.
On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan laid waste to vast areas in the central Philippines, affecting 14.1 million people, 5.9 million of whom are children. The typhoon, the strongest storm to ever hit land, destroyed the homes of 1.7 million children and their families.
UNICEF has worked closely with the government since then getting children back to school, reestablishing water systems, strengthening the child protection system, restoring the cold chain for delivery of safe vaccines and providing services to children threatened by malnutrition.
However, much remains to be done to address significant challenges that include continued large-scale displacement of families and communities, damaged infrastructure, lost livelihoods, and an increased threat from diseases like dengue fever and measles.
People can continue to sign up to give a small monthly donation or donate to UNICEF Ireland's Emergency Appeals at www.unicef.ie
