Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines - Safe Water and Hygiene - Global Medic and Léger Foundation 2014

March 2014 - On November 8 2013 Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) made landfall in the Philippines a densely populated country of 92 million people. The category five typhoon killed over 6 000 Filipinos caused 4 million people to be displaced from their homes and caused severe damage to infrastructure including homes roads schools and health centres. Although many people have already received life-saving humanitarian assistance significant humanitarian needs remain including early recovery activities that contribute to building communities that are more resilient. With DFATD’s support Global Medic and Léger Foundation (L'Oeuvre Léger) are helping up to 15 000 people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in Leyte province by providing clean drinking water and hygiene services. Project activities include: (1) providing household water purification units; (2) rehabilitating wells and installation of source water purification units; (3) providing key hygiene items such as soap and toothbrushes; and (4) providing training and activities to promote the importance of proper hygiene practices.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to safe drinking water; and (2) improved hygiene practices. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.