Tsunami-hit Solomon Is: Support From PIAF

Tsunami-hit Solomon Islands – Tuesday 2am Bangkok

From Bangkok where she is attending the Asia Pacific Leaders Forum annual meeting, PIAF CEO and HIV Advocate Ms. Maire Bopp-Dupont sends her support and encouragement to the families affected by the deadly tsunami that has just hit the country.

“It is 2 o’clock in the morning and I am watching the news updates on CNN in my hotel room.

I’d like to express support to our Wantok communities who have been most affected by the deadly waves and particularly to those families who have just lost a loved one to this tragedy.

Tsunamis are by far the most unpredictable and unfamiliar type of natural disasters that we, people of the sea, are exposed and vulnerable to. And it is predicted to become more frequent.

At this early stage, there is no doubt still shock and anxiety to know the real extent of the damages and human loss as well as waiting for the announcing of aftershocks.

I’d like to send my encouragements to the people in the communities, organizations and to the leaders mobilized to help.

Recovery from this type of disaster is difficult and takes time. As we are now learning from the recent Asian tsunami experience, it is important that the relief plan addresses both the immediate and the longer term impact of the tragedy. Loss of homes, income, supply of clean water and food that lead to poorer health and abuses are common situations in the aftermath and can lead to a rise in HIV and AIDS, amongst other consequences. It is essential that in this critical time, women and children be given special attention - that they be attended to and protected.

I hope that our Wantok brothers and sisters find the adequate relief assistance that this tragedy requires.

May God bless and give strength.”

Aroha.

Ms. Maire Bopp-Dupont Chief Executive Officer Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation

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