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Urgent: News From Haiti

Subject: Notre Dame – Haiti Salt Program

All the CSC Salt team is safe, the facility did not sustain any damages, and the same is apparently true for Leogane. We are more than thankful for that. As you can see from news reports, there is tremendous damage in the south and west–with significant loss of life. I am in contact with WFP and Food For The Poor to offer assistance with emergency food programs. It’s unclear what will develop over the next few days but we will see. I also had a note from Cargill asking how they might help. What a burden this country bears. May God be merciful to those who are suffering. More later.

The Haiti Salt Project is working tirelessly to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis and prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders across Haiti through the production and distribution of clean fortified salt.

What is the Haiti Salt Project?

Founded in 2006 through the University of Notre Dame Haiti Program, and now hosted by the Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child within the University of Notre Dame Institute of Educational Initiatives, the Haiti Salt Project has become a leader in the fight against Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) throughout Haiti.

The Haiti Salt Project supports the Congregation de Sainte Croix (CSC) processing facility and its Bon Sel Dayiti brand of fortified salt. The CSC facility is Haiti’s only domestic salt processor. The Bon Sel Dayiti brand provides purified salt fortified with Potassium Iodate (KIO3), which prevents the developmental delays caused by IDD, and Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC), which prevents LF. The Congregation de Sainte Croix works in collaboration with the Haitian Ministry of Health, Cargill Salt and like-minded NGOs such as WFP, IGN, USAID and UNICEF.

Our mission is to eliminate the scourge of LF and IDD throughout this amazing country, and we need your help!

Where is Haiti?

haiti map and flag

Just under 700 miles off the coast of Florida sits the island nation of Haiti. Home to more than 11 million, Haiti is the poorest country in the western world with an average GDP of only $797 per year (World Bank 2019) with almost 60% living in poverty. Despite their hardships, the Haitian people are a proud, hardworking, and industrious people with a vibrant and welcoming culture. On January 12, 2010 Haiti suffered a devastating 7,0 earthquake that killed between 220k and 316k and caused widespread damage to its infrastructure. In addition to its economic challenges, Haiti is also plagued by widespread Neglected Tropical Disease and malnutrition

Watch this video to lear more about how we use salt to improve health!

The University of Notre Dame SCNO (Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations)

Haiti Salt Project is proud and thrilled to work with the University of Notre Dame’s SCNO team on raising awareness about the work we are doing in Haiti to bring healthy and healing fortified salt to the Haitian people. Click here to learn more about The University of Notre Dame SCNO team. Watch their video below. 

What is Lymphatic Filariasis?

shutterstock 757718605LF or Elephantiasis as it is more commonly known, is spread by mosquitos and caused by infection from the nematode family Filariodidea. It is the most common disfiguring disease in the world, with more than 120 million infected, and more than 40 million disfigured and disabled worldwide.

Over the past several decades Haiti has made tremendous progress with LF but still has significant endemicity with the disease. We are working hard to eliminate the scourge of LF across Haiti.

What are Iodine Deficiency Disorders?

Simon Studios BSD photo8IDD or Iodine Deficiency Disorder, is the world’s leading cause of developmental brain damage. IDD is most easily eliminated with low-cost iodine supplementation in-utero and in early childhood development. IDD is easily and inexpensively preventable by fortifying foods, like salt, with Potassium Iodate (KIO3).

A 2019 Haiti Ministry of Health and UNICEF survey shows that more than 70% of Haitian children and women of childbearing age are iodine deficient. Together we can eliminate IDD from Haiti and help every Haitian child achieve their highest potential. 

How Can I Help?

Simon Studios BSD photo2

The Haiti Salt Project runs as a nearly self-sustaining operation each year processing and marketing salt under the brand name “Bon Sel Dayiti” (the Good Salt of Haiti). However, we still need to rely on corporate and individual donations to expand our operations and invest in more efficient operations to deliver this “healing salt” across all of Haiti.

The devastation of IDD and LF in Haiti could be eliminated if The Haiti Salt Project could raise just and additional $10 each from 25,000 caring donations.

Breaking News:

The University of Notre Dame’s Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child (GC-DWC) has launched its newest initiative aimed at fostering locally-led, sustainable development projects including Haiti Salt Project.

Read More!

News from Haiti and affecting Haitian’s around the world. 

Thank you for donating to the cause!

Please enter your information here. After you click submit, you will be redirected to make your donation to the cause through our educational partner The University of Notre Dame, Global Center for the Whole Child