Commentary available: Haiti two years after, what has changed

TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - UNICEF Canada CEO David Morley is available to comment on a new report outlining progress delivering critical social services to children in Haiti since the January 2010 earthquake.

Commentary available on the impact of donor dollars strengthening education and child protection services, improving health for mothers and newborns, treating and preventing malnutrition and ensuring families have access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Since 2010 more than 5 million cubic metres (about half) of the rubble from the earthquake has been removed, almost two thirds of people have left overcrowded camps and 700,000 children are now in school. UNICEF has worked closely with local government, Haitian authorities and partner organizations on delivery of humanitarian relief, institutional re-building, development programs and advocacy initiatives.

In 2012 UNICEF is appealing to fulfill a $54 million funding gap to continue humanitarian programs, hurricane preparedness planning and long term development activities to encourage institutional reform.

David Morley has extensive experience in Haiti prior to and after the 2010 disaster. UNICEF's new report Children of Haiti Two Years After is available at 9:00 am EST today at www.unicef.ca/helphaiti Commentary also available from Canadian UNICEF staff in Port-au-Prince.

Who:	UNICEF Canada President and CEO David Morley
What:	Progress made in Haiti since January 2010 earthquake, priorities and challenges in 2012 and beyond
Where:	Toronto (Canadian UNICEF spokespeople also available from Port-au-Prince)
When:	Children of Haiti Two Years After report released January 9, 2012             2^nd Anniversary of Haiti earthquake January 12, 2012

About UNICEF

UNICEF is the world's leading child-focused humanitarian and development agency. Through innovative programs and advocacy work, we save children's lives and secure their rights in virtually every country. Our global reach, unparalleled influence on policymakers, and diverse partnerships make us an instrumental force in shaping a world in which no child dies of a preventable cause. UNICEF is entirely supported by voluntary donations and helps all children, regardless of race, religion or politics. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Melanie Sharpe

Media Relations Specialist, UNICEF Canada
office; 416-482-4462 ext. 8892 cell: 416-806-2764
[email protected]