Update on Humanitarian Response in the Philippines

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Action Against Hunger / Action contre la Faim (ACF) continues to deploy aid to those most affected by the Philippines disaster. As an international humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting hunger and its root causes, ACF is taking swift steps to provide emergency relief and restorative efforts to those most affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

ACF has been stationed in the Philippines since 2000 where acute malnutrition has already been a concern. Now that the emergency has devastated 11.8 million people, immediate (ready-to-eat) food supplies are badly needed. Looting is increasing with the level of need.

To date, ACF has delivered 128 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Cebu, Tacloban, Bohol, Capiz and other severely affected areas. More deliveries are on their way. ACF reinforcements thus far include 30 people, in addition to the 100 individuals already stationed in the country.

In addition to food, priorities include clean water, sanitation and hygiene systems and other survival essentials. "The spread of disease can be a precursor for acute malnutrition," explains Susanne Courtney, Executive Director, Action Against Hunger Canada. "Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are essential parts of disaster relief and acute malnutrition prevention. ACF staff specializing in WASH have arrived in the Capital and waiting for deployment to where they are needed most."

The ACF Philippines team has also procured deployment packs composed of tents, sleeping bags, medicines, food packs, flash lights, and other needed items.

The process of providing essentials will likely last three to six months - but it is just the beginning.

Farms, fields and fishing resources have all been badly damaged. Markets have been devastated. Approximately 100,000 hectares of rice and other key crops have been lost or damaged. And 2.5 million people are in need of food assistance.

"It is important to remember that aid will be needed for more than just a few weeks," said Olivier Longue, Director for Action Against Hunger. "The millions of affected people will need our support for longer term recovery work: we need to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and establish health networks."

Longer efforts focused on recovery and re-building will likely take upwards of two years. International fundraising will play an important part.

"Canadians have an important role to play in the recovery efforts for the Philippines," said Courtney. "We encourage individuals to act swiftly and give what they can." The federal government has said it will match every dollar Canadians donate to registered Canadian charities for aid to the Philippines, until the deadline of December 9.

For ongoing updates please visit our website: www.actionagainsthunger.ca
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About Action Against Hunger
Founded in France in 1979, Action Against Hunger/ Action contre la Faim (ACF) is a leading international humanitarian organization committed to ending world hunger, with a special focus on children under five.  Our programs save lives and provide communities with long-term solutions to hunger and its underlying causes. We work in more than 45 countries and reach approximately 7 million people annually.

SOURCE: Action Against Hunger (AAH)

Camille DePutter, Director of Communications
Action Contre la Faim | Action Against Hunger Canada
Office: 416.644.1016 x 6
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[email protected]