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Ethiopia

Over half the population have no choice but to collect dirty water from unsafe sources.

people in Ethiopia don't have access to safe water. This is over half of the population.

Over 65 million people don't have access to adequate sanitation in Ethiopia, almost four-fifths of the population.

Over 33,000 children die every year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is in the Horn of Africa, where an extended period of droughts, famines and conflicts has had a serious impact on health and life expectancy. Many children die before the age of five.

The crisis

Most people in Ethiopia make a living through farming. Without water they cannot grow the crops they need to feed and support their families.

Many communities lack such basics as a safe water source and simple toilets. Poor roads make it difficult to reach remote villages and low water tables present additional challenges.

Our approach

WaterAid has funded more than 50 water and sanitation projects in Ethiopia, transforming the lives of more than two million people.

To address the water, sanitation and hygiene issues faced by Ethiopia’s poorest people, we work with local partners that understand local issues. These include regional governments, technical experts and other charities.

We also coordinate a country-wide water, sanitation and hygiene coalition, uniting government organisations, donors, the media and private sector to help promote the right to water and sanitation throughout Ethiopia.

Our impact

Our global impact >

In Ethiopia last year we reached:

  • 79,000 people with safe water
  • 16,000 people with improved sanitation.
Watch this short film to find out more:
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