KOICA vows to continue support to improve local health infrastructure in Oromia Region

Addis Ababa, April 18, 2022 (FBC) – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) participated in the Completion Ceremony of the Capacity Building component of the Project, celebrating the successful completion of one of the main activities integral to the project “Promoting Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) Service in Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State”.

The Oromia MNCH Project was first initiated by the KOICA in 2015 with a budget of 10.63 million USD to reducing maternal mortality rate, child mortality rate and under-five children.

Since 2017, with partnership with the Project Management Consultant Good Neighbors Ethiopia, the project increased number of births by trained personnel, created greater demand for family planning services, improved the quality of primary health centers and initiated community-based newborn management systems.

In addition, the project constructed maternal waiting centers in five woredas and implemented patient-based innovative system and management in health centers, focusing on empowering health extension workers, improving health systems through the provision of youth-friendly services and expanding programs on immunization vaccination.

At the Completion Ceremony, CHOI HYEJEONG, Deputy Director of KOICA praised the efforts of implementing partners and community members, stating that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability, “we have joined strength to come together under a common goal, proving the power of partnership and cooperation”.

She also stated a construction of primary hospital is still undergoing at Hitosa Woreda of Arsi zone, Oromia Region. She said the project is expected to be completed next year.

CHOI HYEJEONG further stated that KOICA is ready to strengthen sustainability and create greater synergy to improve local health infrastructure through awareness campaigns and procurement of hospital equipment in the region.