Ethiopia: WASH Movement for better sanitation and hygiene

Ethiopia is one of the most underprivileged countries in the world, ranking 105 out of 108 on the human poverty index. Approximately 50-70% of the population lives under the absolute poverty line, and the under-five mortality rate is 123 per 1000. Sanitation and hygiene related diseases are among the most common deadly diseases in Ethiopia. In urban slums and rural areas alike, the majority of the population does not have access to sufficient and safe sanitation.

In response to these challenges, in November 2004 the Ethiopia Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Movement was launched under Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).

While in essence a multi-stakeholder coalition, the group chose to call itself the Ethiopia WASH Movement to emphasize the extent of the social mobilization effort which is needed to lift WASH to the level of priority it needs.

The goal of the Movement is to contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality caused by lack of safe and adequate water, poor sanitation and hygienic practices. The objectives are to promote improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices and gain the political and social commitment and endorsement required to make a real difference in the country’s water, sanitation and hygiene situation.

The Ethiopian WASH Movement is a strong example of coalition building and has been exceptionally successful in spreading the WASH message and in facilitating change. The Movement contributed to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding among the three sector ministries, and the development of a National Hygiene and Sanitation Strategy and Protocol. In a survey conducted in 2007, 55% of people surveyed had access to a latrine. Of these, 82.7% were aware of the message of the WASH Movement: water, sanitation and hygiene for all.

Several reasons have been identified as contributing to this success. For one, prior to the creation of the Ethiopia WASH Movement there was no concerted, sector-wide coordination in the water, sanitation and hygiene sectors. By forming the WASH Movement, the water, sanitation and hygiene sectors were able to command attention from the government, as well as other agencies. Secondly, the Movement could count on strong commitment from member organisations and individuals; as demonstrated by the array of activities and inputs in which members took part, including the provision of funds, attending weekly meetings, providing time, expertise, materials, meeting spaces, etc. Thirdly, the Movement decided to decentralise early on, establishing Regional Chapters with regional committees, in order to facilitate activities across the country. In addition, the Movement is guided by strong general principles. The composition of the Movement, which includes donors, governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, UN agencies, private sector organisations, media, and individuals, provides a strong base.

The Movement maintains a solid base of support from its members at all levels. Additionally, the objectives set by the Movement have been achievable, and have therefore built confidence in the coalition. For example, the decision to focus on one specific issue each year led to a step-by-step approach and manageable activities. The WASH Movement became very adept at combining social mobilization, and advocacy activities, and strategically used the media as a partner, rather than just as receivers and conduits of information. The focus on regular monitoring allowed the Movement to identify success and shortcomings in a timely manner, thus acting as a compass for the Movement, identifying the methods, programmes, and actions that provided the most positive change. Lastly, the WASH Movement’s willingness and ability to reflect and re-evaluate have given it extra strength and durability for years to come.