In Ethiopia, where the Blue Nile begins its journey, water is not just a resource—it’s a lifeline. It nourishes crops, quenches thirst and sustains livelihoods. But until recently, water was notably absent from the nation’s One Health planning and committees, where human, animal, and environmental health converge to address complex health challenges. That is until Ethiopia’s Water Champions stepped forward to ensure that water takes its rightful place at the center of One Health.
The journey of Water Champions
The story of Ethiopia’s Water Champions begins with a realization: water, despite its critical importance, was being sidelined in national discussions on health. The assumption that environmental factors, especially water, were not adequately addressed in One Health initiatives proved true when a thorough analysis revealed that water experts were not represented in national One Health committees. This gap was a significant oversight in a country where water-related issues such as drought, floods, and waterborne diseases are intricately linked to public health.
The activities relating to water of the CGIAR Initiative on One Health, spearheaded by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Ethiopia, recognized the need to bridge this gap by involving water experts in One Health committees. But this was no small task. It required a concerted effort to bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors—government, academia, and civil society—and to equip them with the necessary data and tools to advocate for water in One Health.
“In Ethiopia, the water sector was not actively engaged in the development and implementation of the national and regional one health programs.” says Alemseged Tamiru Haile, a senior researcher at IWMI. “Considering the central and connecting role of water between environment, human health and animal health, IWMI has been working with key stakeholders in Ethiopia towards a strong water component in One Health.”
Building a movement
The first step was identifying and empowering individuals who could champion the cause of water within One Health. These Water Champions were not just experts in hydrology or water management; they were also community leaders, policy influencers, and educators who understood the complex interplay between water and health in Ethiopia.
Habtamu Mulat Beza, a consultant with IWMI who played a crucial role in stakeholder engagement, explains the selection process: “We looked for individuals who were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference. These were people who could bring water issues to the forefront of health discussions and drive change at the national level.”
Once identified, these Water Champions were brought into the fold of One Health committees. But participation alone was not enough. To be effective, the Water Champions needed access to robust data and the skills to use it in advocacy. IWMI facilitated their participation in workshops, training sessions, and provided them with data generated by the project. These efforts were aimed at ensuring that the Water Champions could contribute meaningfully to the One Health dialogue.
A shift in the narrative
The impact of involving Water Champions in One Health committees was profound. For the first time, water-related issues were being discussed alongside human and animal health in a coordinated manner. This shift in narrative was not just a theoretical exercise; it had tangible outcomes.
One of the most significant outcomes was initiating discussions to integrate water management strategies into the antimicrobial resistance and prevention and containment plan. This included measures to improve water quality, manage water resources more sustainably, and address waterborne diseases in a holistic manner. These strategies, once revised, could be implemented in regions across Ethiopia, so communities can see the benefits.
“Having water represented in One Health committees has made a huge difference,” says Javier Mateo-Sagasta, a senior researcher at IWMI. “It is allowing us to take a more integrated approach to health challenges in Ethiopia. Water is no longer an afterthought—it’s being placed at the center of One Health discussions.”
The involvement of Water Champions also led to improved collaboration between different sectors. Ministries of health, agriculture, and water resources, which had previously operated in silos, began working together more closely. This intersectoral collaboration is a key tenet of the One Health approach, which recognizes that health challenges are interconnected and must be addressed through coordinated efforts.
Voices from the ground
To understand the real impact of this initiative, one must listen to the voices of those on the ground—those who have been directly affected by the inclusion of water in One Health planning.
“In our community, water has always been a source of both life and struggle,” says Balew Yibel, a Water Champion from the Ministry of Water and Energy. “We face challenges with access to clean water, and this affects everything from our health to our livelihoods. Being part of the One Health committee has enabled me to advocate for better water management and witness the positive changes happening in our country.”
Another Water Champion, Lakech Haile from the Addis Ababa Environmental Protection Authority, shares a similar story: “Before, water issues were often overlooked in health discussions. But now, we are seeing a real change. We are not just talking about human health or animal health—we are talking about the health of our environment, and water is a big part of that.”
A model for the future
The success of Ethiopia’s Water Champions in integrating water into One Health planning serves as a model for other countries facing similar challenges. The approach taken by IWMI and the CGIAR Initiative on One Health demonstrates the power of cross-sectoral collaboration and the importance of including environmental factors in health discussions.
“The establishment and capacity building of the water champions has been instrumental in the co-generation of knowledge, dissemination of scientific evidence about antimicrobial resistance, awareness raising at various levels, and enhancing the engagement of the water sector.” says Mateo-Sagasta. “We strongly recommend the establishment and engagement of water champions in One Health programs in other parts of the word.”
Looking ahead
As Ethiopia continues to implement its One Health strategies, the role of Water Champions will remain crucial. They will continue to advocate for sustainable water management, ensuring that water remains a central component of health planning. The hope is that, through their efforts, future generations will not only have better access to clean water but also live in healthier, more resilient communities.
The journey of Ethiopia’s Water Champions is a testament to the power of individuals to drive change. By bringing water to the forefront of One Health, they have not only improved health outcomes in their country but have also set a precedent for how other nations can approach the complex challenges of health and the environment.
In the end, the story of Ethiopia’s Water Champions is about more than just water—it’s about empowerment, collaboration, and the recognition that our health is inextricably linked to the health of our environment. Through their efforts, Ethiopia is not only addressing the challenges of today but is also laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future. And in that future, water will no longer be an afterthought but a cornerstone of health and well-being.
Contact
Habtamu Mulat Beza, Consultant – h.mulatbeza@cgiar.org
Alemseged Tamiru Haile, Senior Researcher – a.t.haile@cgiar.org
Javier Mateo-Sagasta, Senior Researcher – j.mateo-sagasta@cgiar.org