Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program (HEP) that was introduced years ago to ensure equitable community-level healthcare services and achieve universal coverage of primary healthcare services has been one of the strategies that registered a number of success stories in the health sector.
The program enabled Ethiopia to expand many health posts and recruit thousands of health extension workers who put utmost efforts to the success of the program. In response, the country enabled to improve access to essential healthcare services, advance maternal and child health, increase coverage and utilization of preferred contraceptive services. In the same way, it was possible to decrease malaria epidemics and malaria-related deaths, expand access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation, create awareness about disease transmission and practice good hygiene habits among others.
As a result, according to documents, the country achieved the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) three years ahead of the target year, with under-five mortality at 68 per 1,000 live births in 2012.
The success not only advanced the country’s healthcare system, but also has become a model program for other countries. Just to mention, some years ago, on the sidelines of the 71st World Health Assembly held in Switzerland, Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program was appreciated for advancing primary health care and it has been stated that there are many experiences that the international community should learn from the effective health system of Ethiopia.
Recently, at the panel discussion the Ministry of Health and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC) held with the Lancet Commission on ways to address global health threats, Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program was hailed as a model experience for African countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Africa-CDC General Director Jean Kaseya (MD) said that African countries should draw lessons from the Ethiopia Health Extension Program.
According to him, Africa-CDC is working in collaboration with the Lancet Commission in a number of areas.
He mentioned the accomplishment of Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program is productive and the rest of African countries should learn lessons to expedite the health services to the communities in the hinterlands and create informed communities.
As to him, it is high time to strengthen and put in place health information practices in Africa’s health system. To meet the demand, Africa-CDC is working along with the Lancet Commission and other pertinent stakeholders.
The General Director called on African countries to invest in the health sector and improve health services.
Health Minister Lia Tadesse (MD) for her part said that the Lancet Commission’s effort to address the 21st-century global health threats as well structuring it to the Commission level is instrumental. It is also encouraging that Africa has representatives in this area.
She further noted recurrent incidents like conflicts; pandemics, flooding, drought and food items hikes are creating multiple burdens on the sector.
In an exclusive interview with Bahata Health Center Medical Director Yeshiwas Mitiku said that the program attested to making Ethiopia’s health system more inclusive and accessible in providing services to the communities at the grassroots.
Ethiopia’s success in implementing the Health Extension Program is attributed to the government’s strong commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system. “In my view, political willingness and leadership commitment are the assets that could help the program; and are crucial in driving the implementation of community-based healthcare programs the government applied through the years. Other African countries can learn from Ethiopia and prioritize healthcare as a national development agenda.”
Moreover through the program, the Ministry is able to actively engage local communities and empower them to take ownership of their healthcare. Involving communities in decision-making processes, providing training for local health workers and encouraging participation in the healthcare activities fosters a sense of ownership and sustainability. African countries can learn from Ethiopia’s community-centered approach and involve communities as partners in healthcare initiatives.
He further noted that Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program successfully trained and deployed a large number of Health Extension Workers (HEWs) to provide primary healthcare services at the community level. Investing in the training, deployment, and ongoing support of community health workers is crucial for expanding healthcare access in rural areas. African countries can adopt similar strategies to build a strong cadre of community health workers who can deliver essential healthcare services.
He underlined that the Health Extension Program in Ethiopia has placed a significant emphasis on preventive healthcare approaches and health education. This approach is helpful in tackling the root causes of diseases and promoting healthy behaviors. In this regard, African countries can learn from Ethiopia’s approaches that focus on disease preventive mechanisms and prioritize health education and health promotion in their community-based healthcare programs.
He said that Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program recognized the importance of expanding healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. Establishing health posts and improving water and sanitation facilities were critical components of the program. African countries can learn from Ethiopia’s approach and prioritize the development of healthcare infrastructure alongside the deployment of community health workers.
He finally said that Ethiopia implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress and the impact of the Health Extension Program. Regular monitoring and evaluation help identify gaps, measure outcomes, and make data-driven decisions to improve healthcare delivery. African countries can adopt similar systems to ensure accountability and continuous improvement in their community-based healthcare programs.
In general, he underlined that, while each country has its unique context and challenges, considering these lessons from Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program should provide valuable insights for the successful implementation of community-based healthcare initiatives in other African countries. It is obvious that adapting and contextualizing these lessons to specific country needs resources to achieving sustainable healthcare improvements.
It was learnt the Health Minister is keen to work with the Lancet Commission to address the global health threats through collaboration.
The panel discussion was attended by the Lancet Commission Chairperson and Commissioners and Africa-CDC, Ministry of Health as well as international development partners. Africa-CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union which supports Member States in addressing health services challenges.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023
