Water Sanitation and Hygiene Sector Summary

In Haiti, the leading cause of infant mortality and childhood illness is the ingestion of contaminated water. Germs for hepatitis, cholera and chronic diarrhea are often carried through water used for cooking and drinking. Additionally, the absence of a sewage sanitation system has contaminated nearly every water source with human waste, a situation further exacerbated by natural calamities such as hurricanes and the recent earthquake. The water and sanitation infrastructural damages sustained as a result of the January 12, 2010, earthquake exceed $235 million. It is estimated that more than $284 million is needed for recovery and reconstruction of these systems according to the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).