National WASH Coalition
The WASH Ethiopia Movement unites representatives of government organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), donors, the media, the private sector, faith-based organizations and individuals. The movement was established in 2004, and has currently more than 70 members. It is coordinated by WaterAid. The movement has established regional chapters to help it to work nationwide.
It chose to call itself the WASH Ethiopia Movement to emphasize that a lot of social mobilization is needed to make WASH a priority.
Focus
The major focus of the movement is promoting water, sanitation and hygiene issues throughout the country. This helps to reduce the current high morbidity and mortality rates caused by a lack of safe and adequate water, poor sanitation and hygiene.
Milestones and achievements
The movement focuses on one theme a year to concentrate awareness on a specific problem or issue. It also helps to support coordination among major actors and strengthens the impact of their messages and actions. The annual themes so far have been:
- 2009/2010: Urban sanitation and hygiene
- 2007/2008: International Year of Sanitation
- 2006/2007: Water quality under the motto “Keep Water Safe”
- 2005/2006: Appropriate disposal of human wastes under the motto “Use Latrines for Your Health and Dignity”
- 2004/2005: Proper hand washing at critical times under the motto “Your Health is in Your Hands”
Major projects undertaken in the last few years included national and regional WASH launches, media workshops and training sessions, journalists’ field trips, familiarization workshops, media promotions, production and dissemination of educational materials, sector learning and sharing workshops and the establishment of a national WASH Media Forum. The Third WASH Media Forum event from 14 to 17 March 2009 was organized by the WASH Ethiopia Movement in collaboration with WaterAid Ethiopia and the Research-inspired Policy and Practice Learning in Ethiopia and the Nile Region (RiPPLE).
To ensure strong leadership, commitment and engagement to WASH plans and implementation, the movement engages directly with decision-makers at national, regional and local levels.
Local communities, women and children are at the centre of activities aimed at raising their awareness and knowledge of WASH issues. They contribute to and take part in WASH events, community discussions, WASH radio programmes and joint meetings with key actors.
The Ethiopian coalition has conducted baseline studies and evaluations each year focusing on WASH activities and has contributed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on water, sanitation and hygiene with the Ministries of Health, Water Resources and Education. It has also developed the National Sanitation Strategy and National Sanitation Protocol.
The WASH Ethiopia Movement has been particularly careful to monitor its progress. Annual evaluations, activity reports from members and regular WASH stakeholder meetings follow up and monitor the movement’s progress. The development of the annual plan and activities takes place in a participatory and consultative manner.
News
- In 2009, the WASH Ethiopia Movement received the AfricaSan Award for its outstanding contributions to coordinating efforts between government and other actors, mobilizing public awareness and action around specific WASH themes, and for establishing a Media Forum.
