Ethiopia has reported significant improvements in healthcare coverage, maternal and child health, local production of medical products and preparedness for public health emergencies, as the country seeks to build a more self-reliant health system, as reported by
Fana Media Corporation, a partner of TV BRICS.
Speaking at the 76th Session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Health Minister Mekdes Daba said reforms implemented over the past decade had translated into measurable improvements in health outcomes and access to services.
Primary healthcare coverage has risen from 64 per cent to 86.3 per cent, while demand for medical services has grown substantially, with more than 233 million outpatient visits recorded over a one-year period.
Ethiopia has also expanded its health workforce. The number of health professionals increased from 212,185 to around 325,000, while the overall health-sector workforce, including support personnel, is approaching half a million.
Financial protection has expanded through community-based health insurance, which now covers more than 69 million people and has reached 91 per cent of its targeted coverage.
Ethiopia is also increasing domestic production of medicines and other health products. The share of the domestic market supplied by local manufacturers has risen from 8 per cent to 44 per cent, according to the minister.
The government is simultaneously expanding digital health infrastructure. Community health records under the Ethiopian Community Health Information System have grown from around 112,000 records seven years ago to coverage of approximately 7 million households, representing data on more than 33 million people.
The minister urged the 47 member states of the WHO African Region to strengthen cooperation and investment in health systems, arguing that Africa has the expertise, workforce and capacity needed to achieve more resilient healthcare.