Through the Ethiopian Rift Valley, which is part of the famous East African Rift Valley, are numerous hot springs, beautiful lakes, and a variety of wildlife. As one drives through, camels, donkeys, and cattle depict the beauty of the region.

As one gets into the trading center of Abala town, in North-Eastern Ethiopia, what is seen is contrary to the beauty that was seen prior. Ravaged homes and destitute people who have just recovered from a conflict are all you see walking in the hope of recovering emotionally and physically.

What led to this was an armed conflict that lasted from November 2020 to November 2022. The war was primarily fought in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia between forces allied to the Ethiopian federal government and Eritrea on one side, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on the other.

This conflict expanded to other areas and forced at least 2 million people from their homes in search of peace and security.

Among those affected was 25-year-old Kariya Mohammed. A mother to three aged,5,3, and 1, she recalls in agony how the conflict left tremendous pain to her. I lost 2 uncles and a lot of my property. I was left with nothing and had to leave and look for a safe place to live with my children. I am glad I now have a basin, bucket, and items that will help me wash my clothes and have a clean bath” says Kariya

During the distribution of WASH NFIs by African Initiatives for Relief & Development (AIRD) in Abala, Kariya was among the 300 beneficiaries and she got assorted items that included a basin, bucket, washing and bathing soap, a flashlight, sanitary pads, laundry among others.

These items help the beneficiaries to maintain sanitation and hygiene in their homes and protect themselves from illnesses that are brought about by poor hygiene as well as collect water since they have to walk a distance to collect it.