Ethiopia remains one of the poorest countries in the world, renowned for its long periods of droughts and famines. Since 1983 WaterAid has been enabling communities to gain access to safe, sustainable water supplies and sanitation. These basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods and form the first, essential step in overcoming poverty. WaterAid works closely with eight local NGOs (non-governmental organizations), the local private sector and local and regional government departments in water, sanitation and hygiene projects. We also work with a wide range of other bodies to influence water and sanitation policies on a national level.