Current state and trends of access to sanitation in Ethiopia and the need to revise indicators to monitor progress in the Post-2015 era

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1804-4
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01T08:35:28Z
• Authors: Abebe Beyene; Tamene Hailu; Kebede Faris; Helmut Kloos
• Keywords: Open defecation; Toilet; Improved sanitation; Pit latrine; Biostatistics

Investigating the current level and trends of access identifying underlying challenges to sanitation system development will be useful in determining directions developing countries are heading as they plan promote sustainable goals (post 2015 agenda). This research investigates status improved coverage (ISC) relation MDG target Ethiopia with aim prevailing constraints suggesting way forward post-MDG era. We examined data from a nationwide inventory conducted accordance ladder at national household survey randomly selected urban slums Addis Ababa. The were analyzed interpreted using conceptual model ladder. used administrative reports results plot time trend ISC. facilities, which presented along reveal that more than half Ethiopian population (52.1%) still unimproved facilities 2014. majority (35.6%) practiced open defecation, implying country is far for (56%). Most people (88.6%) indicating poor did not receive adequate services. Trend analysis shows ISC has increased, but Central Statistical Authority (CSA) decline. discrepancy due differences collection methods tools. Dry pit latrines most widely toilet Ethiopia, accounting about 97.5% population, mainly poor, living polluted environment, exposed water sanitation-related diseases. estimates might even lower if proper utilization, regular emptying, fecal sludge management (FSM) dry considered indicators. In order enhance services all era, urgent action required establish monitoring evaluation systems can measure real