TPRF provides clean water, sanitation, hygiene education to Haitians affected by cholera outbreak

The Prem Rawat FoundationJan 7 2011

The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) is continuing its support of efforts to aid Haitians affected by the recent cholera outbreak by providing approximately 13,000 people with access to clean water, sanitation goods, and hygiene education.

A grant of US$50,000 to Mercy Corps (MC) will help to support the extensive relief and education program being undertaken in Haiti by the nonprofit, which participates in the United Nations cluster system in order to collaborate with other organizations and avoid duplication of efforts. In addition to addressing the immediate crisis, MC is working to build the capacity of local communities to respond to future outbreaks.

Local news sources report the cholera epidemic in Haiti has now infected more than 120,000 people and left more than 2,600 dead. "This program to reduce the further spread of cholera and loss of life through hygiene promotion as well as treatment of symptoms," said Linda Pascotto, TPRF president, "is very much in line with one of TPRF's key objectives: to provide clean water for both hygiene and sanitation where it's most needed."

Neal Keny-Guyer, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps, said TPRF funding will help support the organization's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program into June. "Households of the most vulnerable people," he said, "will receive assistance with water supply and sanitation. Public education will ensure that affected populations prioritize basic hygiene practices that promote health and prevent disease."  

In addition to distributing clean water and sanitation goods such as soap and purification tablets, MC personnel are planning a comprehensive education program about cholera prevention and treatment. They will recruit and train volunteers from 30 districts to do one-on-one personal outreach, presentations to school and community groups, and perform educational plays in public venues. Widespread distribution of print materials on the topic will be used to reinforce the message.

Keny-Guyer said, "None of this would be possible without the inspiring investment of organizations like The Prem Rawat Foundation…. On behalf of all those who benefit from your generosity, thank you for partnering with Mercy Corps to make a positive, lasting difference in the world today."