Press Releases 2004

U.S. Grant for Safe Water System in Orissa

May 10, 2004

NEW DELHI - The United States today provided a grant of $65,000 (Rs. 28.8 lakhs) for the implementation of the Safe Water System in Orissa. The Safe Water System is a point of use water treatment and safe water storage strategy, to reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases.

In a brief ceremony at the U.S. Embassy, Ambassador David C. Mulford presented the check from the Indo-U.S. Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases and Disease Surveillance Program to Population Services International (PSI) for implementation, surveillance, monitoring and evaluation activities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, is collaborating with Population Services International and WHO-SEARO to implement the Safe Water System.

Diarrheal diseases and lack of access to safe drinking water remain critical issues affecting Indian children under five years of age. This funding will allow more intensive information, communication, and education activities as well as outreach to key stakeholders among community health providers and distribution of point of use water treatment system.

The Safe Water System has been implemented in many other countries, including Bolivia, Zambia, Kenya, Pakistan, Peru, Uganda, and Uzbekistan and has effectively reduced diarrheal disease rates in all these countries.