Problems may still arise 4 months after ‘Yolanda,’ says Unicef

By: Bong Lozada - 11 years ago

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—It has been four months since Super Typhoon “Yolanda” rammed Eastern Visayas, yet the United Nations Children’s Fund felt that the disaster produced shockwaves that would last longer.

According to a report released Monday, Unicef said that recovery after the super typhoon is still a long road ahead.

Unicef said that children are the most in need of help as they are still at risk from diseases and exploitation.

“A host of immediate risks still loom largely on children, ranging from epidemic outbreaks, disruption and loss of access to learning, greater exposure to violence, exploitation and abuse, and risks for both women and children sliding into malnutrition,” the report said.

In its report, Unicef said that even before “Yolanda” struck, over 40 percent of families lived in poverty and exposed to trafficking and other forms of violence.

“The devastation brought by Haiyan has exacerbated such vulnerability, together with added risks for children from displacement, loss of loved ones, disrupted livelihoods and deteriorated access to social services.”

Unicef added that “Yolanda,” known internationally as Haiyan, “exposed the gaps” in terms of the country’s child protection programs.

In the face of the exposed problems, Unicef said that they would continue the support to the Philippine government in the ensuing months to help rebuild the areas that “Yolanda” ravaged.

“Unicef is expanding coverage to reach youth associations and adolescents—as part of a plan between Unicef and the Child Protection Working Group to address harmful behaviors and attitudes related to trafficking and sexual exploitation.”

An amalgamation of the Unicef, the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Welfare and Development would be tasked to stop child trafficking, specifically in airports and sea ports.