Addis Ababa, June 28, 2023 (FBC) – The German Development Cooperation, the Bavarian Office for Africa, and Menschen für Menschen (MfM) handed over medical equipment valued at 1.2 million euro to the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to strengthen the health system.
The medical equipment included ventilators, diagnosis machinery, laboratory equipment, operation room facilities, ICU machinery, maternity facilities as well as ward and admission facilities, ENA reports, citing a press release from GIZ Country Office.
The medical equipment will support health facilities including in conflict-affected Amhara, Afar and Tigray regions, assisting in the enhancement of health care services and facilities in these areas, ultimately benefiting local communities and individuals in need, it said.
During the occasion, Minister of Health, Dr Lia Tadesse, highly appreciated the donation at this point in time.
“The donation supports the ministry in overcoming setbacks in our health system due to the conflict and shortage on material resources. The medical equipment not only contributes to reestablishing health services but also to improving the quality of clinical management of patients and provision of critical care services at our health facilities,” she added.
German Ambassador to Ethiopia, Stephan Auer on his part said Ethiopia has achieved commendable strides in advancing its health care services.
Consequently, this invaluable contribution not only aligns seamlessly with the long-term support strategy of German Development Cooperation, but also further strengthens the Ethiopian health system, he elaborated.
BMZ, Director-General, Dirk Meyer, for his part said the availability of state-of-the-art medical equipment will help in rebuilding health services in the conflict-affected regions.
Better treatment options are needed for treating not only infectious pulmonary diseases, such as COVID-19, but also for patients affected by other medical conditions, he said.
The German Development Cooperation and the Bavarian Office for Africa and MfM continue to reaffirm their commitment to enhancing the Ethiopian health system for the benefit of the people of Ethiopia. The MoH and MfM will distribute the donated medical equipment to health facilities in areas most in need, the press release said.