Haitian Water and Sanitation dependent on Foreign Aid

Fewer than 50% of Haitians in rural areas can obtain water. Though there exists piped water systems, a majority of them don't function due to underfunding. The solution has been delivered by the World Bank South Region by hiring professional operators to run the systems. Also a U.S. $50 million dollar water initiative will help to prevent cholera by increasing local agencies' capacity to provide more access to water and sanitation.

Toilets are available to less than 25% of Haitians. The government has rolled out awareness and promotional campaigns, including teaching the populace how to construct their own toilets. It also started in 2013 a U.S.-funded $2.2 billion10-year initiative to eradicate cholera.

The cholera virus starts when water has been contaminated by human waste. The latest epidemic began when UN Nepalese soldiers brought cholera with them from Nepal in 2010.

Behavior patterns are crucial to keeping cholera at bay. Prevention first is the primary defense against catching cholera. Washing hands and boiling water have been key messages brought to the public to raise awareness.

Haiti's water and sanitation sector can't depend on its own limited resources. Nearly three-quarters of funding come from international non-government agencies. The World Bank Group will assist Haiti's water and sanitation system with a years' long and sustainable financing initiative.

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