Press Release
April 4 2014. Action Against Hunger (Action contre la Faim / ACF) commends the Government of Canada on its new commitment of $3.75 million for ACF disaster relief and recovery programs in the Philippines. The funding, announced today by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade & Development, will help restore livelihoods and improve health among the highly vulnerable communities of Panay and Leyte.
Susanne Courtney, Executive Director of Action Against Hunger Canada, expressed appreciation for Government’s contribution. “It is with great esteem that we welcome the Canadian government’s commitment to restorative programs in the Philippines,” says Courtney. “Thousands of individuals survived Typhoon Haiyan but now face massive challenges rebuilding their communities, homes, and careers.”
Adds Courtney, “These Action Against Hunger programs will help approximately 115,000 affected people re-establish their livelihoods and re-gain access to clean water and sanitation. We could not do it without the financial support of the Canadian Government.”
In Panay, Action Against Hunger will conduct a cash-based intervention to reach 15,000 individuals who lost their livelihoods due to the typhoon. The intervention comes at a key moment: while the markets in Panay are gradually opening up, the economy requires a cash injection to stimulate it. ACF will work with local service providers to distribute cash grants to vulnerable beneficiaries, such as pregnant women, malnourished children, and persons with disabilities or chronic illness.
In Leyte, Action Against Hunger will restore access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in order to reduce health risks and avoid further deaths. The typhoon left water systems, facilities and latrines damaged and homes destroyed, resulting in a high public health risk. Efforts will include improved access to safe water, safe sanitation facilities, and healthy hygiene practices for approximately 100,000 people.
“Restoring essentials such as clean water and sanitation services are critical to prevent malnutrition from taking root,” explains Courtney. “The $3.75 million commitment demonstrates the Canadian Government’s dedication to helping those affected by the Typhoon re-gain their lives, well-being, and self-sufficiency.”
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About Action Against Hunger
Founded in France in 1979, Action Against Hunger/ Action contre la Faim (ACF) is a leading international humanitarian organization committed to ending world hunger, with a special focus on children under five. Our programs save lives and provide communities with long-term solutions to hunger and its underlying causes. We work in more than 45 countries and reach approximately 7 million people annually.