Water
How can we increase the world's access to clean water?
Haiti - A troubled past
Haiti was the first caribbean state to achieve independence. Yet, it has decades of poverty, environmental degradation, violence, and politically unstable. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
When christopher columbus landed on the island of hispaniola in 1492, it was inhabited by Taino amerindians. There was heavy importation of slaves from west africa. In the late 18th century, 500,000 slaves rebelled against Toussaint L'Ouverture.
Since its independence, Haiti has been ruled by instability and dictatorships and it is now among the poorest countries in the world. The lack of foreign money contributes to the declining economic situation of the country.
Organizations like Concern Worldwide are working throughout Haiti to help to bring clean and safe drinking water to local residents. The things people are doing to help Haiti since January 2010, when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Port-au-Prince and left 1.5 million people displaced from their homes. Since then, Concern has been providing access to clean water and sanitation to over 75,000 people living in camps.
Water Facts
3. In developing countries, as much as 80% of illness are linked to poor water sanitation conditions.
4. Half of the hospital beds in africa are filled with people with water related diseases.
5. Girls at about age 15 are twice as likely to be the family member to go and fetch water.