Ethiopia News

Ethiopia has successfully concluded the second round of its nationwide novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) campaign, reaching more than 16.8 million children across ten regions. Led by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International, and other immunization partners, the campaign was conducted from 30 May to 2 June 2025.

African Vaccination Week in Ethiopia marked a pivotal moment to advance the Big Catch-Up (BCU) initiative by raising awareness, engaging communities, and enhancing vaccination efforts. A high-level advocacy visit was conducted to an outreach vaccination session in an urban slum area, hosted by Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau in collaboration with Woreda 03 Health Center of Kolfe Keranyo sub city.

WHO applauds Parliament and Ministry of Health for championing legislative reforms on health taxes
 

Adama, Ethiopia | June 2025

Addis Ababa – To address gaps in sexual and reproductive healthcare access,

In a significant effort to enhance health emergency preparedness and response in Ethiopia and the surrounding region, the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) have launched an advocacy initiative for the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Center of Excellence. This initiative was unveiled during a high-level panel discussion in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

From May 2 to 3, 2025, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) organized a meeting with the technical and financial support of the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Pandemic Fund. Over 80 participants attended, including representatives from federal ministries, regional public health institutes, sentinel hospitals, academic institutions, and international partners. The purpose of the meeting was to review the achievements and challenges faced during the 2024 implementation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.

Emergency preparedness and response are critical for global health security in an era of increasing public health threats. From pandemics to natural disasters, African nations face complex health emergencies requiring swift and coordinated responses. Recognizing the urgency of strengthening health security, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, and Dr. Abdou Salam, WHO Regional Emergency Director, conducted a high-level mission to Ethiopia from March 13 to 14, 2025.

Ethiopia has endured multiple humanitarian situations recently, from conflict and displacement to disease outbreaks and climate shocks. These challenges have created a prolonged humanitarian situation, leaving over a million people displaced or in returnee status and straining access to essential health services.