A water-harvesting unit costing 1,500 can provide a school of up to 600 children with reliable access to safe, clean water. This vital infrastructure improves hygiene, reduces the spread of eye diseases such as trachoma, and helps protect children's eyesight and future opportunities. Over the next three years, Orbis aims to construct 21 water-harvesting units in rural schools across southern Ethiopia, ensuring that approximately 15,000 children gain access to clean water.
Trachoma is a highly infectious bacterial infection of the eye that, if left untreated, leads to permanent blindness. The spread of trachoma could easily be prevented by improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities (WASH). At present, community members must travel long distances to fetch water and schools often do not have access to water. The water collected is precious and will be used for vital household functions, and face and hand washing are not a priority.
Access to clean and healthy water encourages face and hand washing, preventing bacteria from spreading and thereby reducing the trachoma incidence. By supporting this project, you will support Orbis in constructing six water points. This will give over 6,000 students access to clean and safe water, thereby drastically reducing the risk of transmitting bacterial infections.
In the long term, the project will support the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in southern Ethiopia and reduce avoidable blindness. By integrating the SAFE strategy with improved access to clean water, sanitation, and eye care services, it addresses both prevention and treatment. In a region of over 4.6 million people, the project will strengthen local eye care systems and ensure equitable access for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and people with disabilities.
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