Photo: au.news.yahoo.com

Australia will contribute $2.5 million to the international effort to assist Haitians in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. When at least 546 Haitians were killed, thousands of homes destroyed, there was a surge in cholera cases, leaving more than 1.4 million Haitians in need of humanitarian assistance. 

The Australian Government will provide $1.5 million to UNICEF to improve access to clean water and sanitation to help combat the cholera epidemic and threat of other water-borne diseases. This follows an international appeal by the United Nations to intensify efforts to reduce the transmission of cholera and provide support to Haitians most affected by the disease. 

We will also contribute $1 million to the International Organization for Migration to provide shelter to people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

In addition to this support, Australia’s High Commission in Port of Spain is distributing hygiene kits and clean water to 800 affected families through the local arm of Plan International.

We are also working with RedR Australia to provide additional Australian humanitarian experts on the ground in Haiti to support the international effort. 

Australia’s assistance will support the international response to Haiti, led by the UN and leading regional donors, to address the most urgent needs of affected Haitians.