MSR, which produces outdoor water filtration and purification solutions, said it donated more than 100,000 of its Aquatabs purification tablets to the Haitian Health Foundation to help with the continuing aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. The donation adds to the 100 MSR Community Chlorine Makers that have already been distributed throughout Haiti in partnership with Operation Blessing International, in hopes of supplying more communities with safe drinking water.
Effective against viruses, bacteria and Giardia cysts, the tablets will provide water safe for drinking in 30 minutes, with one box of 30 individually packaged tablets treating up to 60 liters of water, officials said.
“MSR understands water treatment better than most any company,” said Patrick Diller, business development manager for MSR’s global health initiatives. “Knowing the challenges they are facing in Haiti with cholera and lack of access to safe drinking water, it seemed almost irresponsible to not do something. Chlorine is one of the most effective interventions for a situation like this, and therefore our Community Chlorine Maker and Aquatabs disinfection tablets can be pivotal tools in the relief efforts there.”
“Southwestern Haiti has been absolutely decimated by Hurricane Matthew,” said Marilyn Lowney, executive director of the Haitian Health Foundation. “Though the tragedy has now left the news, the situation remains extremely dire. The availability of potable water is a major issue now. MSR’s donation is a step in the direction toward helping solve this issue, and the Haitian Health Foundation, alongside the vulnerable people of Haiti, are very thankful to everyone involved in securing this important donation.”
“MSR has been an incredible partner in Operation Blessing’s efforts in Haiti to help prevent the spread of cholera and other water-borne disease in the wake of Hurricane Matthew,” said Bill Horan, president of Operation Blessing International. “When I asked MSR’s management team for assistance, 100 Community Chlorine Makers were on a plane the very next day. Every one of the units have been deployed in Haiti’s hardest hit areas and countless lives have been saved.”
