Orbis Provides Clean Water to Save Sight, Ethiopia

As a pivotal element of the SAFE strategy for trachoma elimination, providing community access to sanitation facilities is a high priority for our staff in Ethiopia. Access to water allows for good hygiene practices. And good hygiene practices, such as face- and handwashing, play a crucial role in combating trachoma because of its highly contagious nature. That is why Orbis has supported the construction of communal and school latrines as well as protected water points in the southern region of Ethiopia.

Thanks to your generous donations, we recently were able to implement separate latrines for girls and boys at a primary school. This allows the students to carry out basic hygiene practices. Additionally, it creates awareness about trachoma and the importance of handwashing. Orbis supports many eyes care clubs in schools in the SNNP region of Ethiopia. As an awareness projects, on parents’ day, the students held workshops on the importance of personal hygiene for their community outside of school. 

Over the past 22 years, Orbis Ethiopia, in collaboration with local partners, has constructed a total of 126 latrine blocks and installed 36 water points throughout communities and schools. This would not have been possible without your support. Thank you very much!