Aid to help Vanuatu today and tomorrow

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Humanitarian agency World Vision welcomes the Australian Government’s allocation of funds to support emergency response and recovery efforts in Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed today that World Vision will receive $1.2 million in funding to respond to the needs of those impacted by the disaster.

“This swift commitment of funding allows us to move forward with greater certainty in finalising our emergency response and early recovery plans,” said World Vision Australia’s Head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, Majella Hurney.

“World Vision is adopting a twin-track approach, addressing both immediate and longer-term needs. We are aiming to assist the people of Vanuatu not just for today, but also for tomorrow.”

In the immediate-term, World Vision will address critical needs for food, water, sanitation, hygiene and shelter. World Vision has already transported relief supplies to rapidly deliver this emergency aid including shelter kits, hygiene kits, mosquito nets and other essential items.

As part of its longer term commitment to affected communities, World Vision will support early recovery efforts by providing the agricultural support required to quickly replant food crops. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, about 80 per cent of Vanuatu’s population depend on root crops for their food security. Cyclone Pam has decimated a significant proportion of these crops and replanting is critical for Vanuatu to avoid dependence on emergency aid in the longer term.

World Vision has been working in Vanuatu since 1981. The vast majority of our staff are Vanuatu nationals who live and work in the communities that they serve, so they have strong understanding of local needs, preferences and customs. World Vision will build on its strong relationships with affected communities and the national and provincial government to implement agricultural and livelihood recovery programs to enable the country to build back better after this terrible disaster.

To donate to World Vision Australia’s Cyclone Pam Appeal call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au/cyclonepam

Media Releases, Emergencies, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Government, Cyclone Pam, Disaster relief, Foreign Aid, Vanuatu

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