Improving Health by Providing Clean Water in Haiti

Good health begins with access to clean water

Did you know that half of the world's hospital beds are filled with people suffering from a water related disease? In developing countries, about 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. 1 out of every 5 deaths under the age of 5 worldwide is due to a water-related disease. Clean and safe water is essential to healthy living.

Tiny worms and bacteria live in water naturally. Most of the bacteria are pretty harmless. But some of them can cause devastating disease in humans. And since they can't be seen, they can't be avoided. Every glass of dirty water is a potential killer.

Most of these waterborne diseases aren't found in developed countries because of the sophisticated water systems that filter and chlorinate water to eliminate all disease carrying organisms. But typhoid fever, cholera and many other diseases still run rampant in the developing parts of the world.

Water and Young Children

Infants and young children are especially susceptible to diseases because their immune systems are experiencing everything for the first time. Even in developed countries, lots of moms boil water before giving it to their children just to be doubly safe. In poor countries, the fuel for the fire can be so expensive that mothers can't afford to boil water and cook food.

Project Results

The Global Clean Water Project for Haiti is able to work with local, regional and international partners to provide access to clean water as well as hygiene and sanitation programs. These training programs greatly reduce the disease burden in their communities, allowing villagers to increase their productivity and begin working themselves out of poverty. You can be a part of the solution to reduce disease among the world’s poorest communities.