Clinton Foundation in Haiti

Cholera Prevention and Treatment

In November 2010, the Clinton Foundation committed $1.5 million in response to the cholera outbreak in Haiti, which to date had claimed more than 2,000 people. The commitment, which funds both immediate and long-term responses as part of a multi-faceted approach to the crisis, was a result of multiple meetings between President Clinton’s office and the Haitian government.

As part of its immediate assistance, the Foundation committed $1 million dollars for the training — in cooperation with the Ministry of Health — of 10,000 community health workers across the country and for the purchase of 10,000 portable treatment kits. The kits contain oral hydration salts, soap, aqua tabs, chlorine, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, educational material, and stationery.

An additional $500,000 launched an aggressive national education and awareness campaign in April: “Lavi san Kolera,” or “Life Without Cholera.” The new project works in consultation with the Haitian Ministry of Health and local health, non-governmental, and private organizations to help foster awareness for both the prevention and treatment of cholera. The Campaign’s tagline, “If I had known,” appeared in TV, radio, and print advertisements across the country; the advertisements focus on fostering behavioral changes such as proper hand washing and drinking clean water.

Combined with worker training efforts, the overall project will strengthen Haiti’s capacity to avoid and address future health crises. The Foundation’s commitment meets needs identified by the Haitian government, and the Haitian Ministry of Health has been an important partner in on-the-ground implementation. Both short and long-term projects will be presented to the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC).

The Foundation is also exploring new approaches and technologies in the water and sanitation sector that could be introduced to help with cholera prevention and education.