The community of Banaba has always faced flooding, but thanks to climate change, their "New Normal" is increased levels and amounts of flooding. These floods have a massive impact on the health of the community. This project will provide the funds needed to ensure Banaba's residents can stay healthy following yearly disasters.
Poor communities often have little or no health education. This has tragic results, especially following a disaster. Many find themselves vulnerable to water and waste borne illnesses post-disaster and fall victim to preventable diseases. The Cholera outbreak following the Haitian earthquake is a key example. Increases in preventable diseases are often a second hardship for disaster affected communities like Banaba.
This project will provide funds for community groups in Banaba to provide a multitude of services to help those affected by floods stay healthy. These activities will range from providing safe food and water to building sanitation facilities to holding community pharmacies to provide basic medications. Every activity will contribute to the long-term health of disaster survivors.
By working with community groups both before and after disaster to ensure that community members have both the know-how and tools they need to stay healthy during and after floods, we can reduce vulnerability to those floods in the long-term. Our investment in health education and infrastructure will pay dividends for years to come!
