Only one of five families in rural areas of El Salvador has access to safe water and adequate sanitation facilities. Far too often, this leads to an unacceptable level of disease. In fact, water-related diseases are the major killer of infants and the primary cause of illness in adults worldwide. Cases of water-related illnesses, such as cholera, hepatitis and dysentery, have skyrocketed in many areas of El Salvador. In the mid-1980's El Salvador had the Western Hemisphere's highest rate of malnourishment.
Malnutrition remains a major health issue today, particularly in rural areas.
Project Concern water and sanitation programs have brought clean water and crucial health education to more than 48,000 people in rural communities in central El Salvador. However, in October 1998, Central America was hit hard by Hurricane Mitch, the worst natural disaster in the region in more than 200 years. Many of the wells, water systems and latrines in rural areas were destroyed. Program highlights Project Concern is helping rebuild many of these water systems and has begun new programs to ensure adequate nutrition. Project Concern has begun rehabilitation of water systems in 13 communities struck by Hurricane Mitch.