The International Development Committee (IDC) of the Isle of Man Government has agreed to provide a total of £150,000 funding to Concern UK and Human Appeal International in response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis, and to CAFOD to aid the combat of recurrent cholera in Sierra Leone. The funds will be split equally between the three charities.
The Humanitarian situation in Syrian refugee camps is deteriorating on a daily basis, and with temperatures rising in the run up to summer, the limited availability of potable water and damaged sanitation systems is threatening an increase in outbreaks of such diseases as typhoid, hepatitis A, leishmaniasis and diarrhoea. With funds provided by the Isle of Man’s International Development Committee’, Concern Worldwide (UK) aims to offer safe water and vector control for 100,000 refugees to attempt to reduce the spread of leishmaniasis and diarrhoeal diseases. Where Concern Worldwide (UK) aims to provide clean water and sanitation, Human Appeal International’s (HAI) project focuses on the provision of food packs, medical aid and shelter for Syrian refugees.
The International Development Committee’s donation to CAFOD further builds on previous work funded by the Committee in Sierra Leone. An outbreak of cholera in February 2012 in northern districts of Kambia and Port Loko threatens to advance the disease from endemic to epidemic proportions as it continues to spread across the country. CAFOD aim to compliment the work of the Government of Sierra Leone in fighting cholera through water treatment and promotion of hygiene and cholera awareness.
David Anderson MHK, member of the International Development Committee, said:
'Given the humanitarian crisis in Syrian refugee camps it is important that the Island does what it can to aid those who are struggling for the basic necessities of life that many of us take for granted. Alongside this commitment to Syrian refugees, we are also pleased to be able to continue our support of projects in Sierra Leone.'
