The outlook at the start of 2012 appears bright. Positive progress in the public sector is matched by optimistic forecasts for private sector investment, bringing a much needed boost to the local economy. However, more than 550,000 of the most vulnerable children, women and men continue to shelter in over 800 crowded displacement sites, despite an ever-increasing threat of eviction. The cholera epidemic also remains a pressing issue, following heavy rains in September and October which accelerated transmission patterns and led to localised outbreaks. The vulnerability of the population remains high, primarily as a result of stark gaps in the coverage of social services.
Over the past two years, UNICEF Haïti made a significant contribution to the positive progress achieved in strengthening systems for delivery and regulation of social services for children. For example, in the Education sector, UNICEF supported both upstream planning and downstream delivery of material incentives to over 750,000 children, thereby diminishing the indirect costs that often serve as a significant barrier to education. At the same time, partnerships in the area of Child Protection strengthened the regulatory capacity of the government to protect thousands of vulnerable children in residential care. With UNICEF support, over 120,000 children enjoy structured play in one of the 520 Child Friendly Spaces and youth leaders have taken centre stage in some of the world’s most highlevel forums.
