Alemtsenay and her family often suffered from typhoid and malaria. When sick, they couldn’t go to work or school. When Alemtsenay’s husband started working at the local hospital, the couple learned from other medical staff that open defecation on their property was the reason for their sicknesses.

A small, affordable loan made possible by Water.org empowered Alemtsenay and her husband to construct a bathroom for their family. Alemtsenay shared, “We will no longer be susceptible to diseases or such poor hygiene practices that cause sickness.” 

Water.org empowers people with access to small, affordable loans to fund their own sanitation solutions, because access to a toilet means more than a place to go.  

Water.org no longer has active programs in Ethiopia. Learn more about where we currently work.