CHANGE LIVES IN ETHIOPIA: ENSURE FOOD AND WATER

In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, health and water infrastructures suffered severe damage during the 2020-2022 internal conflict, particularly within schools and healthcare facilities. In the face of this situation, there has been a sharp increase in acute malnutrition and severe water scarcity, leading to a critical worsening of living conditions for already highly vulnerable populations.

From June 2024 to February 2026, we at COOPI, thanks also to those who support us, have guaranteed access to safe water and sanitation services for thousands of people, with the goal of reaching approximately 60,000 individuals. The intervention's activities focused on the construction and rehabilitation of water systems, the creation and capacity building of water and sanitation committees, the distribution of hygiene kits, and awareness-raising campaigns on proper hygiene practices.

The rehabilitation of water infrastructure was a core pillar of this project. Following the extensive damage to healthcare facilities, since 2022, women in Gendebeta Kebele and Adwa Woreda had been giving birth in precarious and unhygienic conditions, creating severe challenges for medical staff attempting to deliver life-saving care in an unsanitary environment. Thanks to the rehabilitation of the water system, latrine blocks, and medical waste management services, thousands of people across the three kebeles served by the healthcare center will finally be able to receive medical care in a clean and safe environment. Furthermore, the creation and capacity building of local committees have equipped communities with the necessary tools and knowledge to maintain these facilities, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Regarding the construction of new water supply wells, Project Manager Yared Tegegn explained: "Thanks to the contribution of the regional expert geologist and the COOPI team, we successfully drilled a new borehole in the Adigrat kebele, bringing safe water to more than 1,200 beneficiaries."

In addition, through direct community consultations, COOPI identified the most vulnerable families affected by the conflict and provided them with cash assistance and hygiene kits. These kits contained essential items such as soap, laundry detergent, jerrycans, buckets, sanitary pads, and other critical supplies, enabling them to maintain proper personal hygiene even under the most challenging circumstances.

It is vital to reach this goal, TOGETHER. Continue to support us in achieving this great milestone!