16-02-2026 | di COOPI

Ethiopia. Restoring water and dignity in Tigray

In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, health and water infrastructure suffered severe damage during the 2020–2022 internal conflict, particularly in schools and health centres. As a result, there has been a rise in acute malnutrition and water shortages, leading to a deterioration in the living conditions of already vulnerable populations.

From June 2024 to February 2026, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale ensured access to quality and inclusive WASH services for more than 60,000 people through the project “Integrated multi-sectoral emergency intervention, including the provision of multipurpose cash assistance, in response to the needs of vulnerable populations affected by the humanitarian crisis in Tigray”, funded by the MAECI through AICS.

The intervention focused on the construction and rehabilitation of water schemes, the establishment and strengthening of water and sanitation committees, the distribution of hygiene kits, awareness-raising on good hygiene practices, and cash assistance.

The rehabilitation of water infrastructure was one of the key actions of this project. Following damage to healthcare facilities, since 2022 women in Gendebeta Kebele and Adwa Woreda have been giving birth in precarious and unhygienic conditions, making it difficult for healthcare staff to continue providing life-saving care in an unsanitary environment. Thanks to the rehabilitation of the water system, latrine blocks and sanitary waste management services, over 200,000 people in the three kebeles served by the health centre will be able to receive medical care in a clean and safe environment. Furthermore, the establishment and capacity-building of WASH Committees have provided communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to maintain these facilities and ensure their sustainability in the future. 

Regarding the construction of new wells for water supply, project manager Yared Tegegn explained:

Thanks to the contribution of the regional geological expert and the COOPI team, we were able to successfully drill a new well in Adigrat kebele and bring water to more than 1200 beneficiaries.

In addition, through consultations with local communities, COOPI has identified the most vulnerable families affected by the conflict and provided them with cash assistance and hygiene kits containing soap, washing powder, jerry cans, buckets, sanitary towels and other essential items, enabling them to maintain proper hygiene even in the most difficult conditions.

With a long-term impact perspective, COOPI has also launched a hygiene awareness campaign aimed at promoting better handwashing practices, food storage and preparation techniques, water management and the use of latrines among communities and students.

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COOPI has been active in Ethiopia since 1995, providing humanitarian and development assistance with a multi-sectoral and integrated approach. It focuses on supporting vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons fleeing conflict or natural disasters, helping them rebuild their lives and communities. To date, it has reached over 10,000,000 direct beneficiaries by implementing 164 projects in the country.