Aid in Action » Press Releases » Newsletters »
	Proper Treatment of Malaria Saving Lives begins in Community Saving Lives Creating Hope What is USAID? What does USAID do in Rwanda? Will you send me information on USAID activities in Rwanda? How can I receive funding from USAID/Rwanda? Does USAID fund higher education, training, and research in the United States for Rwandans? How do I apply for a job with USAID/Rwanda? How can I do business with USAID/Rwanda?

Gisenyi, Rwanda│Friday, April 25, 2008

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is pleased to announce the relaunch of Sûr'Eau, a safe-water solution that reduces the risk of diarrhea. The launch will take place in Rubavu District on Saturday, April 26, 2008, and guests will include Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jean Damascène Ntawukuliryayo, and a Global Ambassador for Population Services International (PSI), Ashley Judd.

Sûr'Eau is a water purification solution that prevents waterborne diseases. The chlorine solution can be added to water immediately before use and is designed to protect people – principally young children and people living with HIV and AIDS – from deadly diarrheal diseases.

Across Rwanda, nearly 40 percent of urban households and over 70 percent of rural households do not have reliably clean water. Contaminated water increases the risk of contracting diarrheal diseases, which contributes to Rwanda’s high childhood mortality rate – one in seven does not live to age five.

With support from the Government of Rwanda and the American people through USAID, Sûr'Eau is produced locally and available in the public and private sectors. USAID funds PSI to implement this safe-water initiative as part of the five-year, $20 million Behavior Change and Social Marketing (BCSM) project. The

BCSM project builds the capacity of Rwandan institutions to implement HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria and child survival programs.

“Safe water is essential for improving the lives of Rwandans,” explained Ryan Washburn, USAID’s Acting Director in Rwanda. “All you need is one cap of Sûr'Eau to treat an entire jerry can of water and you’ve reduced the risk of diarrheal diseases by 50 percent. Sûr'Eau is a cost-effective method for preventing waterborne diseases and saving lives.”

Back to Top ^