Each year the WASH Movement in Ethiopia launches a new slogan that determines the Movement's focus for the year. According to the organisers, this allows the Movement, political leaders, and community members to focus on specific issues in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector. To date, the slogans have been "Your Health is in Your Hands" (2004-2005), "Let us Use Latrines for our Health and Dignity" (2005-2006), and "Keep Water Safe" (2006-2007).

The following mobilisation, media, and advocacy activities were carried out following the slogan for the year:

Your Health is in Your Hands - This slogan, together with a special logo, was designed to provide a clear visual for people to understand the importance of the simple activity of hand-washing with soap, ash, or sand at critical times (such as before eating and preparing food, and after using the toilet). Roughly 100,000 bars of soap donated by the private sector were distributed throughout the country inside WASH kits. Communication packages with key WASH facts and messages, translated into five local languages, were widely distributed at grassroots level. WASH messages were also communicated via Ethiopian television and radio, and through music especially produced for the campaign.

Let us Use Latrine for our Health and Dignity - This phase of the Movement emphasised the importance of constructing and using latrines. Key focus areas were to build awareness among communities, and to gain commitments and endorsements from government officials, in order to obtain funding and approval to build latrines in schools without proper sanitation facilities. In addition to direct advocacy with decision makers, this involved the organisation of a WASH Ethiopia Movement familiarisation workshop for regional government officials, and a journalist workshop to increase the media’s grasp on, and coverage of key concepts, goals, issues, of the WASH Movement. In addition, 40,000 WASH packs were distributed, containing information about proper sanitation, including latrine construction and use.

Keep Water Safe - This campaign focused on water quality. Launch activities included the distribution of messages on safe water handling, collection, transportation, storage, and treatment. Stage dramas, circus performances, role play, street shows, and processions were used to sensitise communities about hygiene and water quality. The ceremony was broadcast through local, private, and national media outlets. Other activities during 2007 included the organisation of a private sector briefing workshop to increase private sector involvement in WASH concerns, and a regional familiarisation workshop for representatives from regional health, water, and education bureaus of all regions to discuss the specific objectives and messages of the water quality campaign. This last workshop resulted in the development of a regional WASH activity plan, which aims to reach wider community audiences, among others, by cascading the national launches to the regions. According to the organisers, 2007 also saw an increased interest by media members of the WASH Movement in disseminating WASH messages to political leaders and the general public.

Sanitation, Natural Resource Management, Health

According to the organisers, Ethiopia is one of the most underprivileged countries in the world, ranking 105 out of 108 on the human poverty index. Approximately 50% to 70% of the population lives under the absolute poverty line, and the under five mortality rate is 123 deaths per 1000 live births. About 85% of the population live in rural areas. Sanitation and hygiene related diseases are among the most common deadly diseases in Ethiopia. In urban slums and rural areas alike, the majority of the population does not have access to sufficient and safe sanitation.

The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) is an international sector organisation that has worked since 1990 to achieve sustainable water supply and sanitation for all people, by enhancing collaboration among sector agencies and professionals. As part of its Networking and Knowledge Management and Advocacy programmes, WSSCC encourages the development of national Water supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Coalitions. The role of the WASH Coalitions ranges from participating in information sharing to advocating specific policy changes.