Water for Life project in Ethiopia

Because of the low coverage levels, illiteracy and high level of ignorance on the importance of hygiene, water related diseases in Ethiopia are still predominant, while at the same time health services are limited. Consequently child mortality is very high. Various studies show that more than 70% of the infectious diseases in Ethiopia are water borne or water related diseases.

Current status

Phase 1, drinking water facilities, has been accomplished and phase 2, sanitation and hygiene, will be starting in May 2012.

In total 14 sanitation facilities will be constructed of which 12 will be located at 6 primary schools of Ambo town. Each facility will consist of 5 latrines and 1 shower including facilities to wash hands. For each school one facility will be constructed for boys and a seperate one for girls. Also 2 sanitation facilities will be constructed at the central market of Ambo town.
In combination with the realization of sanitation facilities hygiene promotion will be part of the project aimed at a healthy school environment and to develop and support healthy and hygienical behaviour.

Goals

• More water for more people in more places
• Healthier, better water quality
• Less water-related diseases
• Structural help with permanent effect
• More sanitation facilities for more people
• Prevention programme on the promotion of hygiene
• Outreach activities through the schools

With the project component 'Hygiene promotion' a direct link with the Millennium Development Goals number 2, to ensure that by 2015 children everywhere - and boys and girls alike - will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. More specific the project is aiming at a higher attendance of girls in primary education. At this moment 75 million primary aged children remain out of school. Educating girls and women has particular benefits for the health and prosperity of developing countries.
This project includes promotional activities regarding knowledge on sanitation, hygiene and safe water and on how to convert knowledge into practise.
Furthermore the managers of the sanitation facilities (appointed by the local community) will be trained on management and hygiene related issues. In Ambo the local community is responsible for the daily management of the sanitation facilities by a so-called ‘vendor’.