Emebet Agonafir lives in Sidehafagi Kebele of Afar state. She said that she was exposed to cholera a month before. She recalls that she was exposed to the disease when she closely assisted her neighbor who gave birth to a child. Unfortunately, Emebet’s neighbor lost her life. Following this, Emebet and her family went to Sidehafagi Health Center to get treatment. The health experts set them to take cholera vaccination on time.
“I felt my neighbor’s feelings and immediately came to the health center. It is miraculous to see me stand here after that challenging time. I am here after the effective week-long health experts’ support and of course, it is God’s mercy,” she said.
According to her, she was struggling with vomiting and acute diarrhea for a week. This season is known for the spread of the waterborne diseases due to the lack of safe water in the area. Thus, the community should be more aware of the causes of the disease and strive to drink safe water and ensure hygiene.
“The community does not have access to safe water. We have been drinking river water for more than a month. Residents of the area make hours of journey to find clean water. Currently, they are getting potable water from the Action for Integrated Sustainable Development Association (AISDA) truck water delivery,” she said.
Beneficiary of the AISDA truck water supply and resident of Sidehafagi Kebele Kemsi Nuru said that she has lived in the area for more than five years. And in the past three months, the community has been accessing clean water with the help of the organization. However, the truck water supply is not enough to satisfy the needs of the community, she added.
“We used to travel more than 3 hours to find clean, potable water. I live with my husband and my daughter in a family of 16. Thus, it is hard to find drinking water for the family.”
Recently, this writer, along with a team of journalists had a chance to visit the rural areas of Afar and witness the effort put forth to supply safe water for the community and the community’s endeavors to have access to safe potable water and sanitation. The crew also visited the joint emergency response of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Action for Integrated Sustainable Development Association (AISDA) waterborne diseases Response Project funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and implemented in partnership with IRC and AISDA, in the State.
The humanitarian organizations are implementing the project in four Woredas of the Gabi Rasu (Zone 3) namely Awash Fentale, Dulecha, Amibara, and Awash 7 Kilo of Afar State. They are working closely with the government bodies to realize the project effectively. The project implementation prioritizes curbing the impact of waterborne diseases through availing safe water, provision of immediate emergency response inputs, among others.
Access to safe water is a fundamental human right, as recognized by the United Nations. It is essential for maintaining good health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, in Afar State, the situation is dire, with a significant portion of the population lacking access to clean water sources for several contributing factors. These include the region’s arid and semi-arid climate as well as limited infrastructure for water supply and sanitation.
Sidehafagi Health Center Technical Aid Head Melese Damtew told The Ethiopian Herald that the health center provides service to more than 19,000 people. “Preventing waterborne diseases requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders. Proactive measures of the government, international humanitarian organizations, and the community can help curb the impact of cholera in the State,” he added.
According to him, there is a high flush flood in the State due to its lowland location that exacerbates cholera spread in the area. On the other hand, the growing number of farm labor forces in the area has also become a major factor to the outbreak of the disease. Most of the farming sites do not have enough toilets and other facilities to curb waterborne diseases, he said.
As to him, a safe water supply is the primary solution to ensure the health of the community. Ensuring access to safe water sources is crucial in preventing waterborne. This includes implementing proper water treatment methods and establishing mechanisms to monitor water quality.
In addition, adequate sanitation facilities, including the construction of latrines and promoting good hygiene practices, can significantly reduce the transmission of cholera. Conducting awareness campaigns on waterborne prevention, including proper hand washing techniques and the importance of safe water and sanitation, can empower the community and reduce the risk of outbreaks.
Moreover, in areas at high risk of waterborne diseases, vaccination campaigns can provide additional protection and help control the spread of the disease, he recommended.
More awareness creation is important to maintain the health of the community. waterborne is a highly contagious bacterial disease that spreads through contaminated water and food. It causes severe dehydration and can lead to death if not treated promptly. Afar State, with its water scarcity and inadequate sanitation facilities, is particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
Accordingly, the availability of safe water and the prevention of waterborne diseases are critical issues that need to be addressed in the state. Access to clean water is a basic necessity for any community, and the lack of it can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera.
Amibara Woreda Chief Administrator Abdu Ali said that the Woreda accommodates more than 80,000 people and has 3 health centers and 20 health posts.
“The recent flush flood occurred in the Woreda totally damaged the area’s drainage system. The Woreda Administration is undertaking various rehabilitation works in coordination with the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MILLS). The size of the population, lack of clean water supply, damage of the drainage system exposed the area for various waterborne diseases,” he said.
Currently, the Woreda Administration is closely working with pertinent stakeholders and local Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) like AISDA to undertake various social mobilizations and address the problem.
“The drainage system damaged by the flush flood requires more budgets. The Woreda is working to meet the area’s clean water expectation and supply by the 2024 budget year. Therefore, the issue requires close collaborations of stakeholders,” he added.
International Rescue Committee (IRC) Ethiopia Communications Manager Mihret Fekadu said that the organization provides emergency response to the area that has been affected by flush flood and exposed to different waterborne diseases.
As to her, the organization is providing various emergency responses in partnership with more than 28 local and international organizations to address the needs of the community.
Currently, IRC is working to address more than 1.6 million clients through its emergency response program by the 2023/24 fiscal year with a budget from the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and implemented in partnership of IRC and AISDA.
In sum, availing safe water and curbing the impact of cholera are crucial for the well-being and health of the population in Afar State. The problem on the ground requires concerted efforts from government, organizations, and communities to overcome the challenges and implement sustainable solutions. By prioritizing safe water access and implementing preventive measures for cholera, the State can enhance the quality of life for its residents and ensure a healthier future.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 2 JANUARY 2024
