AID grant agreement no. 520-0408-G-00-1307-00 with CARE International in Guatemala to extend the potable water systems, sanitation, and health education programs to an additional ten communities in the northwestern highland region of Guatemala

CARE will implement the project, which aims at combatting diarrheal disease, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health"s Unidad Ejecutora de Proyectos Acuaductos Rurales (UNEPAR). The project will employ an experimental approach, adapting proven technologies and methodologies from similar projects in Guatemala and the region. Key outputs will include: (1) construction of 10 gravity-fed potable water systems and a minimum of 800 latrines; (2) training of extension agents and promoters (especially women) to implement a program of hygiene and health education targeting 80% of households; and (3) appropriate use of oral rehydration therapy by 60% of mothers. Sustainability, an increasing concern in CARE projects, will be addressed through strict site selection criteria (which will include community willingness to include women health promoters in traditionally all-male water committees), a 20-year design life, early community organization, significant community in-kind inputs prior to and during the construction phase, training of village water committees in system administration and operation and maintenance, and the establishment of a system user fee.