Emergency response efforts to earthquake affected communities in Solomon Islands, Makira province, are continuing to be supported by UNICEF, with the provision of education, water and hygiene supplies, following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in early December 2016.

"These supplies are sufficient to meet the needs of 12,500 people and include 3000 pieces of hand washing soaps, 5000 water containers, two cartons of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials carrying messages on hygiene practices, 12 tents and tarpaulins for affected schools," UNICEF's regional office stated today.

They are also using radio programmes and sharing by mobile phones to promoteg the preparation and storage of safe drinking water, safe food storage, and appropriate sanitation practices.

“We are pleased to provide these emergency supplies as they are crucial for families especially children in order to stay healthy, as the risk of getting sick due to diarrhoea is common and usually experienced in disasters,” said Chief of UNICEF Solomon Islands Field Office Mr. Yun Jong Kang.

“The soaps, water containers and buckets will encourage families to practice constant handwashing and ease the burden of carrying and storing water. The tents and tarpaulins will be set up along affected schools before the school year begins in late January to ensure children continue schooling while the repair work on schools take place,” said Mr Kang.

Health and hygiene IEC brochures and flip charts will be used by health workers, volunteers and parents to encourage hygiene behaviours in the home and around the communities.

“An increase in the number of diarrhoea and red eye cases was noted in the affected areas and therefore these IEC materials will help families stay healthy,” he said.

Mr Kang assured that UNICEF Solomon Islands Field Office would continue to work closely with the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) committees that are responsible for coordinating response at the national level mainly in Health, Education and Protection throughout the response phase.

The supplies will be distributed by Solomon Islands Red Cross health and hygiene promotion volunteers and in close collaboration with Makira Provincial Emergency Operation Centre (PEOC).

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child and works in 190 countries and territories, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.