UNICEF Donates to those Affected by Floods

SUVA, 10 February 2012 – In an effort to assist those most affected by the floods and landslides, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) donated emergency relief materials to the Fiji Red Cross Society for distribution.

The donation of 4000 x 10 litre collapsible water containers and 500 Local Family Water and Sanitation (WASH) Kits were made in two batches from Friday, February 3 – Thursday February 9 2012. The 500 Local WASH kits contained a total of:

•1,000 x 10 litre collapsible containers
•3,000 bars of protex soap
•2,500 packets x 50 water purification tablets
•500 brochures with water purification tablet instructions
•500 ‘hand’ fliers with emergency messages

The Local WASH kits were then split up by Fiji Red Cross volunteers to make smaller kits so they could reach a larger number of communities and families. Fiji Red Cross Society also supplied the instruction materials in Fijian.

“When natural disasters happen and in particular floods, the issue of clean and safe water, as well as proper hygiene is always a concern for us. Outbreaks such as diarrhoea and skin infections often occur if water is not treated or purified. One of UNICEF programme areas focuses on proper hygiene and sanitation and the use of these Family WASH Kits will to some extent hinder the spread of disease and illness,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Dr. Isiye Ndombi.

In receiving the Local WASH Kits and water containers, the Fiji Red Cross National Board Liaison, Annie Rogers said “The Local WASH kits are a part of our overall humanitarian response to help those affected by the floods. Clean and safe drinking water is an essential need of the communities we are working with. As well as the WASH kit program we are also operating a NOMAD water pump in Ba to deliver safe drinkable water to communities. Fiji Red Cross is pleased to work with UNICEF in getting these essential items to communities that need it”

The Fiji Red Cross Health Team have began distributing WASH Kits (Water and Sanitation) in affected communities in Nadi, Ba, Sigatoka, Lautoka, Tavua and Rakiraki. Importantly, the content of the WASH Kits includes sufficient water purification tablets to provide clean drinking water for a family of 6 persons for a couple of weeks.

Funding support for emergency relief supplies was made possible to UNICEF from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

ENDS