Japan donates $1 million to UNICEF to provide lifesaving Water Sanitation and Hygiene services to flood-affected populations in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, 19 March 2024- The Government of Japan, through its partnership with UNICEF, has granted $1 million (56 million Ethiopian Birr) to provide lifesaving Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to flood-affected populations in Somali, Afar, South Ethiopia, and South-West Ethiopia regions.
The funding aims to support the rehabilitation of flood-affected non-functional water schemes and expansion to existing sources to address the issue of safe water shortages as well as the integration of WASH infrastructure rehabilitation in health institutions.
In addition, a comprehensive WASH social behaviour change and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) will be used to increase people’s knowledge, attitude, and practices to enable them to prevent WASH-related disease outbreaks, including cholera, among the flood-affected communities by promoting sustainable hygiene practices, enhancing community engagement, and leveraging local influencers.
“Japan has continued supporting Ethiopia in tackling issues related to vulnerable children and communities through UNICEF. Water Sanitation and Hygiene services are crucial for people in flood-affected areas. This funding is in line with the women, peace and security agenda which is strongly committed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Japan,” said H.E. Mr SHIBATA Hironori, the Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia.
The funding aims to benefit 100,000 populations including the most vulnerable women and girls to have access to critical WASH services and supplies and helps in preventing them from further crises caused by floods in the future.
“UNICEF is extremely grateful to the Government of Japan for this generous contribution,” said Aboubacar Kampo, UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia. “Children are the most vulnerable victims in any emergency such as flooding, and they are forced to carry a heavy burden due to lack of services. The restoration of WASH facilities will help children survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.”
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