Improving health services to respond to growing public needs

Ethiopia’s health reform plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare services by prioritizing Universal Health Coverage and enhancing access to essential medical care. Through initiatives like the National Health Extension Program, which has significantly broadened community-based health care services; the government has expanded community health services, ensuring that even remote populations receive necessary treatment and preventive care. Furthermore investments in health infrastructure and offering training to healthcare professionals, coupled with the promotion of local pharmaceutical production have strengthened the resilience and capacity of the country’s healthcare system.

These reforms not only improve health outcomes—evidenced by significant reductions in maternal and child mortality rates—but also foster social equity and economic growth, ultimately creating a more resilient and effective health service framework for all Ethiopians.

According to reports by the Ministry of Health, Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in comprehensive health reforms over the past six years, targeting national development through modernized public services, strengthened institutions, and improved quality of life. Central to these reforms is the health sector, identified as a national priority.

The country is actively implementing the National Health Extension Program Optimization Roadmap, aimed at advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by expanding access to essential services, including prevention, health promotion, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. A pivotal aspect of this reform is the shift from illness treatment to prevention, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention, community health education, and early intervention.

This focus has led to substantial expansions in vaccination campaigns, public health awareness, and sanitation initiatives. Consequently, Ethiopia has seen significant growth in immunization coverage, with vaccines for polio, measles, and COVID-19 reaching more children nationwide. Vaccination rates have risen sharply, protecting millions from life-threatening diseases. Despite persistent vaccine hesitancy, ongoing community outreach and education have been instrumental in enhancing public acceptance.

To address the rising healthcare needs, the government has made significant investments in health infrastructure by constructing new hospitals, clinics, and health posts in both urban and rural areas, as well as equipping the existing facilities. These facilities are increasingly staffed by trained professionals, bolstered by capacity-building programs and expanded medical education. As a result, the expansion of health services is bringing care closer to communities, with rural areas now benefiting from more health posts and mobile clinics. These mobile units effectively reach remote populations, where hospital access is limited, and significantly improving health outcomes.

Currently, as the Ministry stated, 82 percent of Ethiopia’s population receives care through government health facilities. To reduce reliance on treatment abroad, the government is diligently constructing specialized referral hospitals nationwide. The healthcare system has made significant strides in expanding access, enhancing the skills of health professionals, and ensuring equitable distribution of medical supplies.

Over the past six years, Ethiopia’s health workforce has expanded notably, with the arrangement of more training programs for doctors, nurses, and other health workers. The government has also prioritized retaining health staff in rural and underserved areas, aiming to enhance the quality of services in these clinics. Community health workers have emerged as essential contributors, providing basic care, health education, and disease prevention services.

These initiatives have yielded impressive results in securing maternal and child health, with substantial decreases in maternal mortality rates. Improved access to prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care has been crucial, leading to more mothers surviving pregnancy and more infants living beyond their first year. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates have dropped by 72 percent and 44 percent, respectively, in the first two decades of the 21st century, surpassing most other sub-Saharan African nations.

A critical element of the reform is the commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare. Through national community-based health insurance programs, over 56 million households now enjoy essential services at minimal costs, promoting inclusivity and equity. More than 87 percent of districts across Ethiopia are covered by this initiative.

In similar efforts to strengthen the health sector and reduce dependence on imported medications, Ethiopia is working aggressively to advancing its pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. implementing strategies to achieve self-sufficiency in medical supplies. Promoting local production not only lowers long-term costs but also strengthens national health security.

In this regard, significant progress has been achieved with Ethiopia manufacturing medical products valued at 75 million USD last year. The effort has supported local manufacturers, strengthened import substitution, and contributed to the overall economy. As a result, the country secured 53.1 million USD, with domestic production reaching significant percent of the national demand for drugs and medical supplies over the past year.

Ethiopia has also implemented measures to support healthcare workers, recognizing their vital role in the system. By collaborating with health professionals and stakeholders, the government is launching various initiatives to improve working conditions and living standards. New laws and policies are being enacted to enhance the working environment, expand training opportunities, and ensure equitable deployment within the health sector.

Despite ongoing challenges, these reforms are yielding positive outcomes, with improvements in maternal and child health, increased access to essential services, and a higher number of patients receiving care locally. The aim is to enhance the quality of care while improving the benefits and working conditions for health professionals, thereby fostering greater public trust in the national health system.

The report concludes, Ethiopia’s health reforms are crucial for enhancing healthcare delivery, promoting social equity, and driving economic prosperity. They require collaboration among the government, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure sustainable progress.

In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Emebet Fisha, a resident of Addis Ababa and a mother of three, shared her constructive experiences regarding the improved health services in the city. “I have witnessed significant progress; all my children’s medical check-ups are now conducted at nearby health facilities,” she explained. She also noted the advancement of the health sector, particularly with the implementation of paperless services, which she believes have simplified service delivery.

However, she expressed concerns about the pharmaceutical supply chain, stating, “Pharmacies often lack adequate stock, and many do not fully stocked with essential medications.” Additionally, she emphasized that effective service delivery must be rooted in compassionate and caring principles, highlighting the importance of these values to the public during service delivery.

BY MENGISEAB TESHOME

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 1 JULY 2025

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