Stouffville, Ontario, January 17, 2010 – Two Stouffville non-profit Christian organizations have joined forces to help fight the deadly spread of cholera in Haiti.
cbm Canada (formerly known as Christian Blind Mission) and Emmanuel International (EICanada) are partnering to battle the water-borne epidemic which has claimed the lives of more than 3,600 people.
According to the World Health Organization, the cholera outbreak, which began in October 2010, still hasn't reached its peak. Poor sanitation and poor access to clean water and hand soap fuelled the disease. More than 170,000 people have been affected.
cbm has been working in Haiti since 1976, with development projects throughout the country, including five programs for those with disabilities in Port-au-Prince.
EICanada has worked in Haiti since 1980 and has partnered with the Evangelical Baptist Church of Bethesda (the OEBB) since 1990.
“One of the most effective ways of limiting the spread of cholera is with clean water and hand washing. But this is near to impossible in Haiti’s many tent camps,” says Ed Epp, Executive Director of cbm Canada. “With cbm’s financial support, EICanada will be able to extend and expand its distribution of soap and granulated chlorine for water purification as a preventative measure to limit the spread of cholera.”
Epp adds, “One of the problems in Haiti today is that not enough organizations are combining their efforts for the good of Haitians. Having cbm Canada and EICanada combine their gifts, talents, and efforts is a huge win for Haitians and a model for others!”
Since the first few days following the January 12th earthquake in Haiti, cbm Canada) and its partners have helped more than 63,000 survivors, many of whom suffered debilitating injuries. Some of these injuries were fully healed through the interventions of cbm Haiti staff. Those with permanent impairments have been given ongoing medical and rehabilitative care.
“In the wake of the earthquake, EICanada and the OEBB, used 10 OEBB churches and schools as emergency response centres, providing shelter, food, water and emergency medical aid,” stated Richard McGowan Executive Director EICanada.
In response to community members seeking medical treatment, the OEBB has been providing oral rehydration solutions and medical supplies.
cbm Canada and EICanada have joined forces to scale up the cholera intervention for a more comprehensive response.
“There will be a great positive impact on the people of Haiti because of the partnership between cbm Canada and EICanada,” says Epp.
cbm Canada is a Christian international development organization focused on improving the quality of life of people struggling to survive the double disadvantage of poverty and disability.
