Ethiopia is set to receive a grant of US $1M from Japan to address the aftermath of the devastating floods that hit the country in 2023.
The grant facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will be utilized to rebuild water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in regions heavily impacted by the floods, such as Somali, Afar, Southern Ethiopia, and South-West Ethiopia.
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Objectives
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will manage the funds provided by Japan, focusing on providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to the affected populations. The objective is to strengthen the resilience of around 100,000 people, with a special emphasis on the most vulnerable groups, including women, girls, and children.
The initiatives will involve rehabilitating non-functional water systems, expanding existing water sources to alleviate drinking water shortages, and integrating the rehabilitation of WASH infrastructure in health facilities. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to long-term resilience against similar natural disasters, which are increasingly exacerbated by climate change.
UNICEF emphasizes the importance of restoring WASH facilities for children, as it directly impacts their survival, development, and overall well-being. Additionally, efforts will be made to promote sustainable hygiene practices and strengthen community engagement through comprehensive social behavior change initiatives and risk communication strategies.
This partnership between Japan, Ethiopia, and UNICEF underscores the significance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises and building resilience in vulnerable communities.
