UNICEF pledges continued support to strengthen health system in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, March 21, 2024 (FBC) – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has affirmed its commitment to continue provision of essential support aimed at enhancing the healthcare infrastructure in Ethiopia.

The UN agency’s commitment was revealed in a discussion between the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, and the UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia, Aboubacar Kampo, as they deliberated on ways to fortify the healthcare system in the country.

During their meeting, both sides reaffirmed the importance to strengthen primary health care for addressing outbreaks, Zero Dose communities, and reducing maternal/child mortality, especially in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas. They went on to discuss modalities to enhance integrated health, water, sanitation, nutrition and child protection programmes in remote areas, the importance to provide children with civil registration and the opportunity to produce food locally to prevent malnutrition across Ethiopia.

On the occasion, Dr. Mekdes commended UNICEF for its assistance to Ethiopia’s healthcare industry and conveyed her ministry’s readiness to collaborate with UNICEF on overall healthcare services, water, sanitation, and nutrition.

In response, Aboubakar Kampo affirmed that UNICEF will continue enhancing its support to Ethiopia through raising awareness, supplying medications and medical resources, and contributing to health financing.

In their conversation, both parties also addressed UNICEF’s assistance to institutions impacted by conflict, the training of healthcare professionals, and water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. They also discussed the potential for local vaccine production, intensive care, and the supply of medical resources.