Over the past years, Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in the health sector by addressing the major challenges facing the health sector and attaining significant improvements in accessing quality.
Among the key accomplishments, the expansion of healthcare facilities and services throughout the country is at the frontline.
According to reports from the Ministry of Health, Ethiopia’s efforts to extend healthcare access are evident in its extensive network of health facilities. The Health Extension Program, which trains and deploys quite a lot of health extension workers in rural areas, has been a crucial intervention in reaching the underserved sections of the community. This initiative has successfully increased access to essential health services, including maternal and child healthcare services, as well as immunizations and basic medical care.
The report also highlights a notable decline in maternal and child mortality rates, attributable to targeted interventions and enhanced access to prenatal and postnatal care. Initiatives such as providing skilled birth attendants and community-based health education have significantly contributed to these improvements.
Ethiopia has also achieved important milestones in enhancing immunization coverage, leading to a decrease in vaccine-preventable diseases. The government’s commitment to routine immunization, along with mass vaccination campaigns, has strengthened the health system’s capacity to protect vulnerable groups.
Recent reforms in healthcare have focused on improving efficiency, enhancing service quality, and integrating services across various levels of care. The introduction of a decentralized health system has empowered local health authorities to respond more effectively to community needs.
The health sector has also benefited from strong partnerships with international organizations, nongovernment organizations, and private sector entities. Accordingly, collaborative efforts have facilitated resource mobilization, technical support, and capacity building, which have all enhanced healthcare service delivery.
Recently, the Ministry of Health held its annual review conference under the theme “Transforming primary health care to accelerate progress towards SDG” with the aim to build on the successes achieved so far and to draw lessons from past experiences.
The 26th Health Sector Annual Review Conference, which was carried out for three consecutive days (from November 1-3, 2024) at Arba Minch Town, South Ethiopia State, was a platform that gathered professionals and stakeholders from the sector and constructive experiences were shared.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Mekdes Daba (MD) said that the conference served as a vital platform for officials to engage with the community. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the questions and recommendations raised by panelists during the discussions.
“The past year was a time that we have started implementing the three years health policy. In this budget year, we set a plan to execute nine strategic health areas. Among these strategic areas, maternal and child health is the one. Significant strides area registered in this area. For instance, 74 percent of mothers have given delivery in health facilities.”
584,000 children who could not get regular vaccinations were immunized; preparations are finalized to expand the implementation of the Sekota Declaration to 334 districts in this Ethiopian budget year. Likewise encouraging results were recorded in the prevention of HIV and TB diseases. However, several activities are being done to prevent the increasing incidence of malaria.
The leadership emphasized the importance of focusing on efforts to making this Ethiopian budget year a time dedicated to community service and responsiveness to public inquiries.
While implementing health sector reforms, it is essential to preserve existing strengths and address any gaps, she added.
Health State Minister Dereje Duguma (MD) said that achieving established health goals will require an increase in primary healthcare services and initiatives designed for long-term impact.
He also highlighted the importance of making vaccinations readily accessible, rather than relying solely on vaccination campaigns. Emphasis should be given to reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV to below 5 percent, he added.
Opening the conference, South Ethiopia State Chief Administrator Tilahun Kebede said that the government is constructing health institutions to improve the healthcare facilities of the public. Singing the same tune, the South Ethiopia State is implementing various activities to avert stunting and malnourishment by improving the nutrition system in the State.
Similarly, several activities have been done to prevent the spread of epidemics due to climate change by involving the community.
The Chief Administrator also thanked the Ministry of Health and partner organizations for extending a helping hand, treating and rehabilitating victims affected by natural disasters- flood and landslide –in various areas of the State.
South Ethiopia State Health Bureau Head and host of the conference Geshaw Shibru also said that the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector, development partners, and the community are vital for improved health outcomes. “The ultimate impact of health initiatives is felt at the community level, making enhanced community participation essential.”
At the conference, leaders signed a document outlining nine key tasks for the health sector to be executed by the Ministry of Health, relevant institutions, and regional health offices in 2017 E.C. This marks a significant step toward achieving the outlined health objectives.
According to the document, despite successes in these areas, t several challenges persist, the report noted. Disparities in access to health services remain, particularly between urban and rural areas. Vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, often face barriers to accessing quality care.
Limited financial and human resources hinder the ability to effectively maintain and expand health services. Increased investment in health infrastructure and workforce training is necessary. Additionally, the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases poses significant challenges. Addressing both types of health issues requires a comprehensive and integrated approach.
The report outlined strategies to ensure continued progress in Ethiopia’s health sector. In this respect, the Ministry should strengthen health infrastructure in urban and hinterlands. The investments should focus on improving health facilities, especially in rural areas. Upgrading existing infrastructure and equipping health centers with necessary medical supplies will enhance service delivery.
The other point is expanding community health initiatives through building on the success of the Health Extension Program. To this end, further community health initiatives should be developed. Engaging local communities in health promotion and disease prevention will ensure that services are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
The Ministry should provide increasing trained healthcare workers across the nation: Strategies should include improving training programs, offering incentives to work in underserved areas, and creating career development opportunities within the health sector.
The recommendation also cited utilizing technology in healthcare delivery. That are using of telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile health applications are a game changer in enhancing access and efficiency, particularly in remote areas.
By implementing these strategies, Ethiopia can continue to build on its health sector achievements and work towards a healthier future for all its citizens.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2024
