Cholera response
It is the responsibility of national authorities to provide their citizens with clean drinking water and working sewer systems. Since 2008, over 4,165 people have been killed and close to 96,000 have been infected by the cholera epidemic (as of OCHA Update May 2009 - http://ochaonline.un.org/CholeraSituation/tabid/5147/language/en-US/Default.aspx). An easily treatable waterborne disease, cholera thrives in poor sanitary conditions. The disease has accelerated and spread in Zimbabwe due to systematic under-funding in water and sanitation infrastructure and health delivery service. Until the Zimbabwean authorities rise to this challenge, ZIA Network aims to intervene in a smart and effective way. Our response to the cholera epidemic makes the most out of every dollar in an effort to save as many lives as possible.
Safe drinking water is one of the world’s most pressing needs. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people lack access to safe water. In our efforts to respond to the cholera situation in Zimbabwe, ZIA Network has found a simple way to reduce these unnecessary deaths by addressing basic needs for safe water.
PUR Packets
The PUR packet (a water purifier, by Procter & Gamble) converts 10 liters of contaminated, potentially deadly water into clean and safe drinking water in a matter of minutes. PUR packets are an easily transportable and cost effective way of providing clean and safe drinking water to those who need it. Much smaller and lighter than shipments of plastic water bottles, a supply of PUR for a whole village can be transported in a large suitcase. It removes more than 99.99% of intestinal bacteria, which can cause cholera.
ZIA Network is delivering PUR in bulk shipments from all available locations. In February, the first shipment of 300,000 PUR packets was airlifted into Zimbabwe by ZIA Network partner; Pure Compassion Ministries. This supply translated into 3 million liters of clean, drinkable water.
PUR Packets arriving in Zimbabwe
ZIA Network is delivering PUR in bulk shipments from all available locations. In February, the first shipment of 300,000 PUR packets was airlifted into Zimbabwe by ZIA Network partner; Pure Compassion Ministries. This supply translated into 3 million liters of clean, drinkable water.
The second shipment of 250,000 packets is underway. Our strategic partnerships with humanitarian organizations in the Zimbabwe ensure these supplies are distributed through schools and faith based organizations. A supply of 500,000 PUR packets is a significant contribution to cholera prevention efforts translating into 5,000,000 liters of fresh drinkable water supplied directly to those who need it.
In our work with church-affiliated hospitals, we have identified medicines and supplies that are needed for their institutions to operate effectively. Our generous humanitarian partners in North America share our concern, our response and our vision to assist the medical emergency in Zimbabwe. The first 40-foot container with medical and humanitarian supplies is at sea and expected to arrive in Harare in a few weeks time.
While the challenges facing Zimbabwe are daunting and the amount of resources required are staggering, ZIA Network believes these challenges are surmountable. The reasons for helping are overwhelming and together, we can reverse this human catastrophe. Help us make a difference in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
See a short video about the humanitarian response to cholera in Congo and Kenya
http://www.pghsi.com/pghsi/video/red_cross_PLWA/red_cross_PLWA.html
http://www.pghsi.com/pghsi/cholera/Cholera.html
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comment form
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
