Additional New Zealand typhoon aid welcomed

The New Zealand Government’s decision today to provide a further $2.975 million in aid to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines has been welcomed by Save the Children New Zealand.

Heather Hayden, CEO, Save the Children New Zealand, said the additional aid, taking New Zealand’s contribution to over $5 million, is vital to help people recover in the worst affected areas.

“Out focus is on children and young people. Latest statistics show over five million children have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, with many having been presented with diarrhoea and malnutrition which could be fatal if left untreated.

“Minister Murray McCully’s announcement today of $2.975 million, in addition to earlier funding, means more emergency supplies such as food, water containers and generators, will reach the worst affected areas and help prevent deterioration of health and nutrition,” she said.

The news of additional funding comes as a group of 12 medical professionals, supported by Save the Children, recently completed set up at an Australian field hospital in Tacloban to provide medical treatment to those most in need.

“The expert international medical team arrived in Tacloban on Monday morning and have begun working solidly to treat hundreds of sick and wounded people each day,” Ms Hayden said.

With 25,000 births expected in the affected areas of the Philippines within the next month, supplying reproductive health kits and providing quality obstetric care is of high priority for Save the Children.

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