The Zakat Foundation of America

Oct 27, 2010

Zakat Foundation of America (ZF) has mobilized its team on the ground in Haiti to respond to the unfolding public health crisis sparked by the recent outbreak of Cholera in Artibonite, Haiti. Cholera is an intestinal infection that is caught by ingesting contaminated food or water. If left untreated, it leads to severe dehydration that causes death.

ZF assessed the situation and is mobilizing its resources to address the immediate needs of the population in the affected area. The immediate needs of the population there are access to fresh, safe water and medical treatment for those who have been infected by the disease.

The Haitian Ministry of Health reports that there have been 258 confirmed deaths and 3,769 confirmed cases of people afflicted with Cholera. Most of these people were seasonal laborers in Haiti’s rice growing area.

It is no exaggeration to call the situation in Haiti now an epidemic that if not handled properly could lead to more unnecessary deaths. It is essential that fresh water be supplied to the poor communities of Artibonite on a daily basis so that desperate people are not forced to drink or bathe with contaminated water. ZF is actively mobilizing fresh water deliveries to the area.

Your continued support is needed to address the present Cholera epidemic as a part of our unrelenting campaign to work for the betterment of Haiti.