In a significant boost to healthcare in Ethiopia, the Government of Japan announced a grant of USD 17.4 million for the construction of a new specialised ward for infectious diseases in Addis Ababa.
The announcement was made on May 16 at the Ministry of Finance, marking a crucial step in improving healthcare service delivery at St. Peter’s Specialised Hospital, which has been facing serious challenges due to inadequate facilities and insufficient medical equipment.
The funding will specifically support the "Project for the Improvement of the Specialised Hospital for Infectious Diseases Treatment in Addis Ababa," aimed at enhancing the hospital’s ability to treat infectious diseases.
This includes the procurement of critical equipment, such as a CT scan, which will significantly improve diagnostic capabilities and patient care.
Upon completion, the project is projected to benefit approximately 30,000 patients and 1,200 hospital staff, providing essential examination and treatment services.
Additionally, it will offer necessary technical training for healthcare professionals, positioning St. Peter’s Specialised Hospital as a Centre of Excellence for infectious disease control. This status will not only benefit Ethiopia but also enhance healthcare efforts throughout the East African region.
The formal signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Shibata Hironori, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ethiopia, and Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, who officially signed the Exchange of Notes for the grant aid. The event was also witnessed by Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, and TAKANO Shintaro, Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ethiopia Office.
In his remarks, Ambassador SHIBATA emphasised Japan's long-standing commitment to supporting health projects in Ethiopia, underscoring the critical importance of health sector developments in the region.
He noted that this project is a significant part of Japan's broader initiative to improve access to medical services that will ultimately benefit over 1.5 million people through enhanced healthcare facilities.
The ambassador highlighted that this initiative aligns with Japan’s commitments made during the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8), further enhancing its commitment to health in Africa.
Looking ahead, health issues are expected to feature prominently in discussions at the upcoming TICAD 9 conference, scheduled for August 20-22, 2025, where heads of state from across Africa will convene to discuss strategic partnerships.
Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has served as a pivotal platform for advocating for collaboration and partnership between Japan and African nations.
The new funding for St. Peter’s Specialised Hospital reflects Japan's dedication to enhancing health infrastructure and improving disease treatment capabilities in Ethiopia, ensuring that the nation is better equipped to respond to emerging health challenges and to provide quality healthcare to its citizens.
During the occasion, it was noted that this grant moves forward, is expected to play a vital role in strengthening Ethiopia's healthcare system, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for countless individuals in the region.