Ethiopia Background Information

Without doubt, Ethiopia is one of the world’s poorest countries. In a recent United Nations report, Ethiopia is ranked 170th out of a total 177 countries included in the Human Development Index.

Women and girls spend hours every day collecting water from distant sources, and in addition are expected to cook, collect firewood, tend fields and care for the sick, many of whom are suffering from water and sanitation-related diseases. The time-intensive commitment to water collection often prevents women from participating in income-generating opportunities, or in the case of girls, prevents them attending school.

The sanitation situation in Ethiopia is even worse than that of water and a determined effort is needed to address this major problem.

The lack of access to safe drinking water and latrines places a heavy burden on children who are especially vulnerable to disease. Water-related illnesses are widespread, and as a result child mortality rates in Ethiopia are among the highest in the world. HIV/AIDS patients, who have compromised immune systems with limited resistance to opportunistic infections, are also particularly vulnerable. Repeated bouts of diarrhea are not only debilitating for the patients but also increase the burden on caregivers, family livelihoods, and ultimately the community.

The work of Water 1st is Ethiopia is focused on the West Showa zone where less than 10% of the population has access to safe water and even fewer have access to improved sanitation.