Wednesday 3 February 2010

World Vision will join 7 other aid agencies today to begin a massive distribution of food provided by the World Food Programme. The distribution effort, with support of the Haitian Government, is expected to reach some 1.6 million people throughout Port-au-Prince.

During the 2 week distribution period, World Vision, along with Save the Children, Concern, CARE and others, will distribute two-week supplies of rice at 16 distribution sites across Port-au-Prince.

World Vision alone will distribute 84 metric tons of rice to feed 17,000 people at sites in Delmas and Nazon commencing today, with plans to add 2 more sites in the district of Cite Soleil this week. Distributions will continue daily at all 4 sites, reaching approximately 400,000 people.

“Cite Soleil sites require additional preparation time due to the high density of population and additional security concerns,” said Jean-Claude Mukadi, World Vision’s relief response director in Port-au-Prince. “But we will get food to Cite Soleil as soon as we can ensure that people will be safe and that food will get to those who need it the most.”

World Vision has provided registration “coupons” to local leaders who will help identify the families that are most vulnerable and in need of food.

To ensure that the distribution process protects the dignity of families, human rights organisations and World Vision's own child protection experts will assist at distributions, while more than 100 staff members have been trained in humanitarian protection and security in the last few days.

"Staff will focus on ensuring families are treated with dignity and that the most vulnerable are first in line," said Mukadi. “We’re also reaching out in new ways to make sure that people are informed and know what to expect."

Read latest updates about World Vision’s response and children sponsored by Australians here.

You can donate to the Haiti earthquake appeal here.