World Vision Australia launched an appeal to provide assistance with relief efforts in Haiti. The generosity of Australians has enabled World Vision to contribute to ‘building back better’ in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.  We are no longer calling for public donations for Haiti.

To help World Vision Australia prepare for future emergency responses, donations may be made to the Emergency & Preparedness Fund.

For information on sponsoring a child in Haiti, please call 13 32 40 or go to the Child Sponsorship link on our website.

World Vision’s response

World Vision declared its highest level of emergency response and deployed its global rapid response team to work with World Vision Haiti staff already on the ground. World Vision Haiti staff acted immediately, working around the clock to provide emergency shelter, food and medical treatment.

The first six months saw thousands of children in camps benefit from early childhood education, mothers and babies receive nutritional support, and people suffering depression receive psycho-social support. People in camps received free health care via clinics, and food, water and relief item distributions continued.

One year on, as emergency supplies were still being distributed, World Vision launched transitional shelter projects for thousands of families. Staff responded around the nation to a cholera outbreak and also assisted communities prepare for hurricane season.

World Vision’s emergency response has continued, tirelessly for 2 years.  It has been a response characterised by immense challenges, from land tenure issues and political instability to extreme weather.  Camps for the displaced sprang up everywhere, with no consideration for safety or sanitation, and as a result, more than 500,000 people are still living in cramped, unsafe and unhygienic conditions.

Significant challenges remain but undeniable progress has been made. Hundreds of thousands of people have been assisted with food, water, temporary shelter, sanitation and protection.

World Vision has been working in Haiti for more than 30 years and runs 20 long-term development programs across five regions, supporting more than 300,000 people. The organisation is committed to working with Haitians to contribute to Haiti’s recovery in the long term.

Background information

A powerful earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck southern Haiti on 12 January 2010, rocking the capital Port-au-Prince. The quake was centred about 10 kilometres underground, and was followed by two severe aftershocks.

Just 8 days later, another earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude struck the already devastated region.
Entire hillsides were flattened and many buildings collapsed in the capital, including hospitals and schools. More than a million people were left homeless and are living in temporary shelter sites in Port-au-Prince. More than 500,000 people left the capital to seek refuge with families in rural areas.

Just weeks after the earthquake, heavy rainfall led to flooding that killed at least 13 people and caused the temporary evacuation of some 3,428 others.

Children sponsored by Australians

World Vision has 3 long term development programs (ADPs) in Haiti where sponsored children live.

World Vision staff on the ground in Haiti have confirmed that no ADPs were directly affected in the earthquake. While tremors may have been felt in these areas, there has been no loss of life.

While no sponsored children were physically affected by the earthquake, many people in these communities may have lost family members who lived or worked in Port-au-Prince. As a result, there may be emotional implications for the family and loss of income for the communities.

World Vision staff continue to monitor the safety and wellbeing of all sponsored children and their families. Please be assured that if we receive information of concern regarding any sponsored children we will contact sponsors immediately.

How you can help

World Vision Australia launched an appeal to provide assistance with relief efforts in Haiti. The generosity of Australians has enabled World Vision to contribute to ‘building back better’ in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.  We are no longer calling for public donations for Haiti.

To help World Vision Australia prepare for future emergency responses, donations may be made to the Emergency & Preparedness Fund.

For information on sponsoring a child in Haiti, please call 13 32 40 or go to the Child Sponsorship link on our website.