Addis Ababa The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said that it has completed its health program implemented in Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali regions.
The 37.5 million USD (over 2 billion Birr) project was launched in 2017 to give newborns the best care, protection, and introduction to life by providing women access to skilled professionals for their prenatal care, delivery, and post-natal care, according to the press release.
USAID Transform: Health in Developing Regions activity is reportedly the single largest health investment in maternal and child health in the four regions – Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali.
It was implemented through a consortium led by Amref Health Africa, which worked hand-in-hand with Ministry of Health to narrow the health equity gap in the regions.
The project has achieved measurable success over its five-year run, the press release stated.
In partnership with regional health bureaus, more than 18,000 health care professionals were trained and over 400 health facilities received medical equipment.
Since 2017, more than 144,000 women delivered babies safely with a skilled health care workers, and over 286,000 women received family planning services for the first time.
In addition, the project directed 2.7 million USD (145 million Birr) to unexpected natural disasters, health care, and other emergencies, including COVID-19, drought, flooding, and emergency support to conflict-affected areas.
Through supplemental funding, 4.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in developing regions.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency