TPRF supports AmeriCares with $40,000 grant in battle against Haiti cholera epidemic

The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) recently became an active partner in the battle against a cholera epidemic in Haiti that has reportedly infected an estimated 600,000 people and left more than 2,400 dead.

Responding to a call for assistance from AmeriCares, one of the Foundation's partners, TPRF made a grant of US$40,000 to provide clean drinking water for over 38,800 people for a month to help them remain healthy during the epidemic.

"The provision of clean water for both hygiene and sanitation is a key interest of the Foundation," said TPRF President Linda Pascotto. "We applaud AmeriCares' efforts in Haiti not only to treat victims but also to lower the risk of others contracting this disease."

The epidemic was first detected in only one district of Haiti back in October. It has since spread throughout the island. "Cholera is deadly," said Ella R. Gudwin, AmeriCares' vice president of emergency response. "Haitians are learning just how deadly it is. It strikes suddenly and, if not treated, can kill within hours."

In a country where 1.5 million were left homeless by last January's earthquakes, and sanitary conditions were subsequently made worse by tropical storms, a great number of Haitians lack both clean water and preventative education, two critical factors needed to combat the spread of cholera.

Curtis Welling, President and CEO of AmeriCares, writes, "I am very grateful to TPRF for empowering our team to continue this life saving work. As this is TPRF's second grant to AmeriCares, let me also convey our sincere gratitude for the continued trust you are placing in us to see that TPRF's humanitarian objectives are realized."