Ethiopia has achieved a remarkable milestone in healthcare. The Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, proudly announced a tangible and significant reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates over the past nine months of the current budget year.
This encouraging news follows a thorough performance review, attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), which assessed the progress of the ambitious 100-day plan and broader macroeconomic implementation for the third quarter of the 2017 budget year. During this review, Dr. Mekdes Daba shed light on the key initiatives driving this positive transformation.
According to the minister, meticulous implementation of planned activities throughout the nine-month period has directly contributed to this life-saving progress. The remarkable turnaround in maternal and infant mortality is a direct result of concerted efforts to make healthcare more accessible to all citizens.
Key to this success has been a multi-pronged approach. Over recent years, significant investments have been made in expanding the reach of health institutions, enhancing the quality of service delivery, and strengthening vital infrastructure across the nation.
Dr. Mekdes specifically highlighted the pivotal role of prioritizing primary healthcare. This strategic focus has brought essential health services closer to communities, empowering individuals and families to seek timely care.
Furthermore, the minister emphasized the synergistic impact of integrating healthcare professionals, facilities, and resource supply chains. This cohesive approach has not only contributed to the decline in maternal and child deaths but has also fostered a healthier overall population.
The expansion of community-based health insurance services has also played a crucial role in ensuring access to care for a wider segment of society.
Looking inwards, Ethiopia has also made strides in bolstering its domestic healthcare capacity. By prioritizing the local production of health resources, the nation has significantly alleviated the persistent challenge of drug shortages in health facilities, yielding impressive results.
The digital revolution is also playing its part in strengthening the healthcare system. Dr. Mekdes revealed that 19 strategically selected centers have undergone complete digitalization in the past nine months, paving the way for more efficient and data-driven healthcare delivery.
Beyond formal structures, the spirit of community engagement has been a powerful force for good. Dr. Mekdes lauded the mobilization of the community, including the diaspora, who have generously volunteered their time and resources to provide crucial services such as blood donation, childbirth assistance, and even surgical operations.
The minister also underscored the government's commitment to strengthening the health sector through the new civil service reform, recognizing it as a top priority.