Meet the local leaders making it happen for our WASH programs in the Dominican Republic. Unequal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) puts communities at risk of water-borne diseases. Currently, 2.2 billion people lack clean water, and 3.5 billion lack proper sanitation services. Annually, over 443,000 children under the age of 5, die from diarrheal diseases. The WASH Foundation aims to reduce mortality from water-borne diseases and ensure universal WASH access. Eduardo Cameron and Susan Rosendo Mercedes drive The WASH Foundation’s initiatives across the country. Their vision and ongoing commitment are behind real results at both the school and community levels, working closely with national and local partners to create lasting impact.
Meet Eduardo Cameron
Meet the local leaders making it happen for our WASH programs in the Dominican Republic. Unequal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) puts communities at risk of water-borne diseases. Currently, 2.2 billion people lack clean water, and 3.5 billion lack proper sanitation services. Annually, over 443,000 children under the age of 5, die from diarrheal diseases. The WASH Foundation aims to reduce mortality from water-borne diseases and ensure universal WASH access. Eduardo Cameron and Susan Rosendo Mercedes drive The WASH Foundation’s initiatives across the country. Their vision and ongoing commitment are behind real results at both the school and community levels, working closely with national and local partners to create lasting impact.
Eduardo has played a major role in driving the growth of the program in the country, evolving it from a pilot project to an initiative recognized by various national government institutions. He has led the WASH-in-Schools training and capacity-building program for local schools, along with WASH capacity trainings for civil society organizations, and government institutions. His work and passion focus on generating sustainable social impact, strengthening public and private strategic partnerships, and expanding equitable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene in vulnerable communities.
Meet Susan Rosendo Mercedes
Susan Rosendo Mercedes joined The WASH Foundation in the Caribbean in August 2023 as Project Coordinator in the Dominican Republic, where she leads monitoring and evaluation processes for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in schools. Her work focuses on strengthening the quality and sustainability of interventions, ensuring that educational communities adopt healthy practices that positively impact the well-being of children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology and has previous experience in the educational and social sectors.
Before joining The WASH Foundation, she worked as an educator for children on the autism spectrum, supporting their integral development, as well as in administration and Human Resources management at a non-profit organization. Currently, she is committed to improving hygiene habits and health in vulnerable communities, particularly within school environments. Her vocation drives her to contribute to initiatives that foster safer and healthier settings, with the goal of ensuring that every child has better opportunities to learn and grow in conditions of well-being.
How the Team Creates Sustainable Impact
Under the leadership and mentorship of Francisco Juarez Lopez, Global Program Officer for Latin American & The Caribbean, Eduardo and Susan have helped The WASH Foundation expand access to safe water and comprehensive hygiene education, now benefiting more than 28 schools across the Dominican Republic. Their strategy is grounded in building strong relationships with educational authorities and partner organizations, a model that ensures projects are established with input and buy-in from those directly involved. Every project is closely monitored and evaluated to ensure outcomes are both meaningful and sustainable, reflecting a commitment to long-term improvement rather than one-time interventions.
Training and capacity-building for educators and community partners are developed using current evidence and best practices, equipping schools and local organizations to continue the work independently. By deliberately involving community members and local government at every stage, the Foundation promotes a sense of ownership and accountability, setting the groundwork for programs that persist and grow over time.
In 2025, this collaborative approach led to the Foundation being officially authorized to expand to eight additional schools in La Altagracia Province. This milestone reflects the organization’s trusted partnerships with District 12-01 leadership and their shared commitment to improving student health and infrastructure for the long term.
The WASH Foundation programs in the Dominican Republic encompass far more than classroom hygiene workshops. They also include technical training, lesson planning, and community education in partnership with organizations like CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) and Design for Good. Private sector allies such as Arichy Real Estate bring further support and visibility, expanding the program’s reach and amplifying its results for vulnerable communities across the region.
Results in Schools and Communities
Evidence from ongoing monitoring shows significant increases in student knowledge about hygiene, improved cleanliness and maintenance in school bathrooms and handwashing stations, and more inclusive educational environments, especially for girls, thanks to focused menstrual hygiene management activities. Schools such as Pedro Livio Cedeño have achieved recognition for superior participation and standards, demonstrating the practical results and sustainability of the program.
This team’s leadership embodies the Foundation’s mission: improving health, transforming lives, and ensuring that real progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene is led, sustained, and celebrated by the communities themselves.
Ready to support ongoing progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene across the Dominican Republic? Connect with The WASH Foundation to learn more about current initiatives, partnership opportunities, or ways to contribute directly. Every effort helps strengthen the reach and sustainability of these programs, creating healthier school environments and brighter futures for children and communities.
