Matt Damon helps Haitians
01.01.2010
MATT DAMON is using his star status to help provide clean water to thousands of people living in poverty-stricken Haiti.
The Bourne Supremacy star created non-profit company Water.org in 2009 when he merged his H2O Africa charity with WaterPartners International.
Water.org has previously succeeded in providing access to clean water for people living in developing countries in Africa and South Asia - and now Damon is turning his attentions to Haiti.
The actor joined world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama and former leader Bill Clinton, at the launch of the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative in New York on 22.09.2009 to announce his new mission.
The project, nicknamed the Haiti Challenge, aims to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to 50,000 Haitians.
Damon explained, "Water.org will deliver at least $2 million to fund this commitment."
He also urged the leading politicians gathered at the meeting to donate to the organisation to ensure the Safe Water and Sanitation For the People of Haiti initiative is a success.
Damon added, "We want to challenge everyone here in this room tonight to support this commitment to the people of Haiti by visiting Water.org."
Haiti (1) -- Analyses -- 2010
Water in Haiti: The Problem
01.01.2010
In Haiti, contaminated water is the leading cause of infant mortality and illness in children. Germs for hepatitis, cholera, and chronic diarrhea are carried in water used for cooking and drinking. Nearly every water source in Haiti has become contaminated with human waste because of the absence of a sewage sanitation system.
Haiti now has the highest infant mortality rate in the western hemisphere. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that more than half of all deaths in Haiti were due to water-borne gastro-intestinal diseases.
You can stop deadly typhoid, cholera, and chronic diarrhea by working with International Action. So far, the Haiti Challenge has brought clean water to 400,000 people.
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