As part of the United Nations family, UNAIDS stands in solidarity with the people affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince on Tuesday 12 of January.
On Sunday United Nations Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon reiterated the UN’s continued support to Haiti and the people affected by this natural disaster. Speaking in Port-au-Prince, Mr Ban ensured that the search and rescue operation for people trapped in the rubble was still ongoing.
As emergency relief efforts, with food, water and tents being distributed by the UN and its partners are stepped up; the UN Secretary-General stressed the importance of coordination of the emergency operation.
“My heartfelt sympathies are with the people of Haiti in these difficult times,” said Mr Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “As the UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon has said, the international community must support Haiti during this crisis and in the long term.”
On Friday the 15 the UN launched a flash appeal for $ 600 million, which outlines the support needed to start meeting the devastation suffered by Haiti. This includes support for the National AIDS Response, and delivery of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.
The United Nations family too has been affected by the earthquake and it is still uncertain of the status of many of the staff. UNAIDS has accounted for all of its staff in the UNAIDS Country office and has pledged support during this crisis.
Amidst the uncertainties the world body's peacekeeping and field support departments are utilizing the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter to keep families, friends and colleagues of UN personnel in Haiti up-to-date on the latest developments
