Success Story FY11 Water

The project implemented a "punch and shield" strategy, consisting of care and prevention actions to minimize morbidity and mortality associated with cholera outbreaks among exposed populations, particularly children under five. Community-based educators (CBEs) played a crucial role in promoting hygiene, water, and sanitation messages to targeted populations. Through interpersonal communication activities, CBEs visited households, advised on proper hygiene practices, and encouraged the use of water purifiers. In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CBEs informed residents about the severity of the cholera outbreak and the importance of drinking safe water to prevent deadly diarrhea. Laurette, a 25-year-old mother living in the periphery of Kinshasa, exemplifies the impact of the project. With a 5-month pregnancy and two young children, Laurette faced a precarious situation, with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities. However, after receiving advice from CBEs, she began using water purifiers, specifically PUR and AQUATABS, to treat her drinking water at home. Laurette reported a significant decrease in diarrhea episodes among her children since adopting this practice. The project distributed a total of 133,496,590 liters of water through targeted populations, with approximately 50% of the water purifiers and tablets procured with USAID funds. The distribution points were established through a network of trained sales teams, which created 1,496 additional points of sale during the fiscal year. This effort helped to increase access to safe drinking water, particularly during cholera outbreaks. The project's success can be attributed to its partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) through its National Program for Diarrhea Diseases Treatment (PNLMD). The collaboration enabled the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to address cholera outbreaks, focusing on both care and prevention actions. The project's impact was evident in the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with cholera outbreaks, particularly among children under five.