Global Health Institute Field Scholars

Safe Water Initiatives in Haiti

Susan Arman, Rollins School of Public Health
Megan Mewborne, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Gretchen Van Ess, Candler School of Theology
Bret Walker, Candler School of Theology

This group of students examined the need for and effectiveness of several different safe water initiatives being implemented in Les Cayes, Haiti.

Ms. Arman conducted a baseline assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and needs regarding household water treatment systems in five rural communities in Les Cayes. She conducted a survey to assess the demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of household water managers, focus groups with pastors and school teachers to discover reasons for Safe Water System (SWS) adoption and barriers to use, and produced a training video of SWS processes for the population she targets in her field experience.

Ms. Mewborne developed a two-week SWS course based on a health curriculum designed for secondary students. She led a team of volunteers who will teach the course to secondary teachers and community health workers. Ms. Mewborne also developed a diarrheal disease surveillance system in collaboration with local community health workers and met with Ministry of Health clinicians to develop education and health communications plans that are in keeping with clinic infrastructure.

Ms. Van Ess assessed the contribution of religion and religious entities in the implementation of safe water projects. She conducted in-depth interviews with religious leaders, members of local churches, faith-based organizations, and non-governmental organizations as well as conducted focus groups wth religious leaders in the community.

Mr. Walker participated in baseline data collection as part of a project whose goal is to replicate the Jolivert Safe Water for Families household water treatment project in three new sites in Haiti. In his role, he facilitated and encouraged inter-denominational and interfaith dialogue about the project and conducted community outreach within the religious community with the goal of finding future support for safe water projects.

To read about Ms. Van Ess' experience from her perspective, click here.

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