Household water treatment has become a crucial need in rural Haiti, where less than half of all households have access to an improved source of water. The outbreak of cholera in 2010 further emphasized the importance of safe water access and reduced the risk of developing diarrhea. To address this issue, PSI/Haiti distributes Dlo Lavi tablets, a point-of-use household water treatment, through local retailers.
Dlo Lavi tablets have shown significant reductions in diarrhea disease, with a 46% to 50% decrease in incidence during water-borne epidemics. The tablets are designed to treat water at the point of use, making it a convenient and accessible solution for households with limited access to clean water. Local retailers play a crucial role in distributing the tablets to rural communities, increasing access to safe water and reducing the risk of water-borne illnesses.
Nicole Marie Cinéus, a resident of rural Haiti, has taken it upon herself to promote household water treatment in her community. With the support of Sovena, a community educator, Nicole was introduced to Dlo Lavi tabs and began using them to treat her family’s water. She initially treated water for cooking and later expanded to treating water for bathing, which significantly reduced her son’s diarrhea episodes.
Nicole’s experience with Dlo Lavi tabs has been transformative, and she has become a devoted user of the product. She has also started selling the tablets and educating her community about the importance of household water treatment. Nicole’s business has allowed her to generate income and contribute to her community’s well-being. Her dedication to promoting safe water access and reducing the risk of water-borne illnesses has made a significant impact on her community.
Nicole’s story highlights the potential of community-led initiatives in promoting household water treatment and improving public health. By empowering local residents like Nicole, organizations can increase access to safe water and reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses. The success of Dlo Lavi tablets in reducing diarrhea disease and improving water access in rural Haiti demonstrates the effectiveness of point-of-use water treatments in addressing this critical public health concern.