Orbis Provides Clean Water to Save Sight, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, water is a precious commodity. Through years of inadequate funding, maintenance and a lack of skilled workers, water provision is well below the needs of Ethiopia's large population.

ORBIS has been working in Dita Woreda for over five years now. As a key element of the WHO recommended S.A.F.E. strategy for trachoma elimination, water is vital to our work. With a population of almost 95000, Dita has long since had a high rate of trachoma infection. Poor infrastructure and inadequate water supply are just some of the reasons for the spread of trachoma in this region. However, with the support of ORBIS, this is changing. 

Through improving the local water supply, we can not only teach the importance of hand and face washing in the battle against trachoma, we can put this into practice. Given that trachoma is spread through contact, clean water is vital in stopping transmission. The added benefit to providing clean, potable water is that not only will this help to eliminate trachoma but it is hoped that there will be a decline in other diseases too. 

In partnership with WaterAid, ORBIS is buliding water stations drawing on subterranean springs. At a cost of just $500, these water stations provide water to some 100 households or 650 people in the immediate vicinity. Through advocacy and community awareness schemes, these stations are providing the population with an alternative to traditional methods of water collection at oftentimes unclean rivers and streams.

As we continue on our journey towards a world where no one is needlessly blind, your support for our clean water projects is extremely important. On behalf of all those who will benefit from these facilities, thank you.

Links:

• Donate to ORBIS Ireland