Imerys Sanitaryware, is committed to working in partnership with Médecins du Monde, to improve public health and increase access to sanitation in Roseaux, Haiti.

40% of the world's population have never used a toilet and live without access to basic sanitation, vastly increasing the risk of diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, dysentery and intestinal parasites. We believe action is this area is in line with the business and the values of Imerys Sanitaryware. We aim to expand our commitment to this project over the years and to involve our employees and our partners.

In 2008 an initial 250 private latrines were constructed in Roseaux thereby providing basic sanitation for families totalling 1,500 people. The lack of running water calls for simple installations, which are made of concrete and salvaged materials. In addition, a total of 750 fruit trees, three for each latrine, were planted as part of a local reforestation drive. 93% of the budget went directly to the local community in Haiti to fund the activities of this grassroots project, which included construction and planting work, as well as health and environmental education.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been devastated by recent tropical storms. Médecins du Monde has been present in the country since 1994 conducting various programmes. According to their research, basic sanitation improves public health and can significantly reduce the chances of children in Haiti catching diarrhoea. This is supported by a recent World Health Organisation study, which has identified diarrhoea as the third main cause of death in low-income countries.

For further information about this project, send us a message via the Contact Us page.