Pure Water for the World

Pure Water for the World started its campaign in Haiti in early 2008. This national campaign brings hygiene education and clean water to schools, clinics and orphanages. We have partnered with Management Sciences for Health, and are focusing our work in areas that are underserved or are "hot spots." Our first location was in Cite Soleil, a section of Port au Prince. Cite Soleil is the worst slum in the western hemisphere and is known as the poster child of poverty. In addition to working in Cite Soleil, we are working in four communes on the Haitian/ Dominican border.

As of early 2009, we have provided clean water and hygiene education to 75,000 children in over 375 schools, most of which are in Cite Soleil. Pure Water is now the second largest non-government organization in Cite Soleil, and has a more complete list of schools than the government! We have trained 750 teachers in sanitation and proper hygiene. By March 31, 2009, we expect to have trained more than 1,000 teachers, and installed hygiene curricula and water filter systems in approximately 500 school, clinics and orphanages.

Pure Water has also created a filter factory where we produce the filters which are placed the schools and homes. This facility is a world class operation with ample room to expand into a national training center.

We are also continuing to work in La Croix, a project which was started in 2007. This is also a project to bring clean water and hygiene education to families living in this region.

Though our work in Haiti is relatively new, we are being approached by many parents and teachers who see the change brought by clean water and sanitation. They want it brought to their homes and schools as well. This gives all of us a great sense of encouragement as we continue to help those in Haiti.

Why Haiti

• Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere
• It is referred to as a "fourth" world country
• Water-borne diseases are the second most common cause of death in children under five
• 50% of the hospital beds in Haiti are occupied by patients with water-borne diseases
• Only 58% of Haitians have access to clean water, and 19% have access to good sanitation
• The infant mortality rate is 60/1,000 live births
• The population of this country is 8.5.million
• 6.2 million live below the poverty line, almost 3/4ths of the population
• Nearly 7.2 million lack access to reliable energy
• Live expectancy for women is 56, and for men it is 52
• Formal unemployment rate is 70%
• Illiteracy is estimated to be 44%

Facts provided by: USAID, World Health Organization, and UNICEF