Helping Haiti

Aid agencies will today make a joint national appeal for help for the victims in what is already one of the world's poorest countries; one that has been afflicted by previous natural disasters, extreme poverty and political instability.

Such is the scale of the earthquake's devastation that every conceivable effort is being made in the life-and-death race against time to rescue survivors, and help those in vital need of food and water.

Already there are reports of charities running out of medical supplies. Aid is arriving at barely a trickle and the disaster threatens to turn into an immense humanitarian catastrophe as communities in the country, with precious few resources before the earthquake struck, struggle to cope with the aftermath.

Once the immediate demands are met, it's also important to look to the future.

In a few months' time, memories of this disaster will have faded outside the Caribbean. But it is imperative that the flow of help does not slacken.

Only long-term sustainable aid will help the people of Haiti build a better future from the ruins of their shattered country.

Despite the recession, the UK remains one of the wealthiest nations in the world and in a position to help. With the main political parties having pledged to protect international aid budgets, it is crucial that they keep to their promise.