UNICEF donates 2 million water purification tablets for flood relief efforts in Guyana
…tablets handed over to CDC for distribution
Acting United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative Irfan Akhtar on Tuesday handed more than two million water purification tablets to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for distribution to flood- affected areas.
Akhtar stated that clean water was essential for life, especially during times of flooding. The donation of the two million water purification tablets, which will treat 10 million litres of water, will ensure the provision of safe drinking water to thousands of Guyanese.
Acting UNICEF Representative Irfan Akhtar hands over the tablets to a representative from the CDC
The CDC is a valued partner of UNICEF, and the organisations have worked together on many issues. The acting UNICEF Representative assured that support would continue to be provided once the need arose.
“When the recent flooding disaster occurred, UNICEF recognised that children and families would be among the most affected and we immediately responded, based on the needs list issued by the CDC. We recognise that when children don’t have access to clean water, it affects their health, nutrition, education and learning abilities, thus impacting many aspects of their lives. Clean and safe water is essential for children’s health, survival, and development,” Akhtar noted.
Accepting the donation was CDC’s Deputy Director General, Major Loring Benons, who lauded the sustained assistance from the United Nations in Guyana. Major Benons said that the water purification tablets play a very important role in response and recovery and the CDC would begin distributing the supplies to affected areas immediately.
The tablets for distribution
This donation of water purification tablets complements emergency support provided by UNICEF through the Human Services and Social Security Ministry for flood relief. UNICEF has supported the Ministry to procure shelter supplies, WASH and hygiene kits, water storage containers, and materials for child- friendly spaces.
The CDC continues to work with Non-Governmental Organisations to provide relief to flood-affected residents countrywide.
