Cholera in Haiti / World Toilet Day on 19 November 2010 - Malteser International: “Water is life, sanitation is dignity”

Cholera in Haiti / World Toilet Day on 19 November 2010 - Malteser International: “Water is life, sanitation is dignity”

Cologne/Léogâne. WASH - the abbreviation stands for measures in the fields of water supply, sanitation and hygiene – represents an important contribution to improved primary health care in developing countries. Malteser International, the relief service of the Order of Malta for worldwide humanitarian aid, is convinced that efforts in the field of WASH have to be intensified. The present cholera epidemic in Haiti illustrates this need quite plainly. 

“Especially after disasters like the earthquake in Haiti it is very important to assist people not only with health care and shelters. The supply with safe drinking water and sanitation facilities all over the country is of equal importance to sustain the health status of the population and to prevent the outbreak of diseases,” explains Dr. Sibylle Gerstl, epidemiologist and Malteser International Senior Health Advisor. 

Already a few months after the earthquake in Haiti, Malteser International had started to improve the water quality by permanent water supply systems, to build sanitation facilities for schools, orphanages and health centres and to teach people in questions of hygiene. 

On the occasion of World Toilet Day on 19 November, Gerstl emphasises another aspect of WASH activities: “Water is life, sanitation is dignity.” That is also why the ventilated improved pit “V.I.P” latrines built by Malteser International in Haiti offer improved sanitation by eliminating flies and smell through air circulation and thus also impede the spread of diseases by flies. Up to now, most people in Haiti did not have access to latrines. 

At present, Malteser International intensifies once more its prevention measures and continues distributing soap, water treatment tabs to disinfect contaminated water and water cans at its three project locations in the south-east and west of the island to fight against the spread of the cholera. Additionally, cholera patients are identified, get an initial treatment and are referred to specialised hospitals. 

Next to Haiti, Malteser International is implementing WASH projects in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Attention editors:

Dr. Sibylle Gerstl, epidemiologist and Senior Health Advisor, is available for interviews.Contact: 0049-221-9822-155 Malteser International is always grateful for donations that support our work in Haiti.

Join our network of relief and donate:

Donation Account 2020122; Pax-Bank Köln, von-Werth-Str. 25-27, D-50670 Köln, Germany, Sort Code : 370 60 193; IBAN : DE93 3706 0193 0002 0201 22; BIC: GENODED1PAX, Reference : “Earthquake Haiti”

Or online! 

Further information:Petra Ipp-Zavazal, Senior Desk Officer International Communication, Tel.+49 (0) 221/9822-155, Fax +49 (0) 221/982278-179;Petra.ipp@malteser-international.org; www.malteser-international.org 

Malteser International is the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid. The organisation provides aid in about 200 projects in more than 20 countries without distinction of religion, race or political persuasion. Christian values and the humanitarian principles of impartiality and independence are the foundation of its work. For further information: www.malteser-international.org and www.orderofmalta.org