NALA

Over 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including blinding trachoma, soil-transmitted helminths, and schistosomiasis/bilharzia. These diseases disproportionally impact marginalised populations, with limited access to clean water and sanitation, causing debilitating cognitive and physical impairments. However, these diseases not only affect the poor, but perpetuate the cycle of poverty through limiting opportunity and potential. NALA’s vast experience on the ground has led to the development of a holistic model that empowers the community to take charge of their health. Through promoting positive behaviour change and improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), NALA’s innovation has already changed the lives of millions, and hopes to change the lives of many millions more. Since 2017, NALA has also worked at a national level, providing technical support to the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health, aiding inter-sectoral collaboration to bring about rapid change. This year NALA aims to refurbish ageing and disused water systems in approximately 500 schools through the use of a WASH mobile clinic. The WASH on Wheels project, supported by The Gates Foundation and Shalom Corps, will provide access to clean and safe water to over 500,000 students, and work with local communities to maintain the WASH infrastructure. NALA strives to create a long-lasting and sustainable impact with our partner communities, aiding to break the cycle of poverty through the elimination of preventable and curable diseases whilst continuously maintaining our values of professionalism, integrity, partnership, humility and innovation. Let’s make this world a safer and healthier place for our children.