With the whole world watching, as Haiti tries to recover from the 7-richter earthquake that has reportedly killed 50,000, a figure which may escalate to 100,000, aid from the United States and the European Union are the biggest hope of the Haitian people, but even the entertainment community has become involved in the aid effort.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is reportedly expected to arrive Saturday in Haiti with USAID chief Rajiv Shah in order to make relief and recovery speedier.

George Clooney and MTV have spurred an initiative to raise money for aid relief in a two-hour telethon that will take place on Friday, and will be broadcast by at least 11 television networks.

Europe starts aid effort; meeting Monday

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the European Commission and Spanish presidency has pledged $8.5 million, but a a meeting if EU development ministers meeting Monday will discuss how to coordinate the EU’s 27 member states in aid efforts to Haiti in a synergistic manner.
European Commission Vice President and High Representative Catherine Ashton said: "While we are making sure that Haiti receives the immediate and urgent support it needs, we also have to get ready for the very important next step in helping Haiti to rebuild the country. I am in close contact with our partners in Europe and beyond to coordinate these efforts. Together with the Spanish Presidency and Commissioner Karel de Gucht we have organised a meeting of development ministers which I will chair. I am absolutely committed to helping the people in Haiti. That is what the people of Haiti expect and they can count on us. Rebuilding Haiti is now a priority for the EU."

EU member states are already providing direct assistance, with Britain and France providing search-and-rescue teams, Germany a mobile hospital, Belgium, Sweden and Luxembourg providing medicine, food, and water purification machinery according to UPI.

United Nations appeals for $US500 million

The United Nations has taken a leading role in the aid effort, appealing for more than $US500 million to help the earthquake victims with food, water, medical supplies, and tents. According to UN huminatarian coordinator John Holmes, aid pledges have already reached $US360 million, some of that money earmarked for longer term reconstruction.