GIZ Launches 13 Million Euro Capacity Building Project for Health Professionals

Addis Ababa February 19/2019 A three-year project designed to enhance the capacity of Ethiopian health professionals and bio-medical technicians was officially launched by German Development Cooperation (GIZ) yesterday.

The project launched with 13 million Euro budget at Nekempt Hospital in Oromia Regional State will last up until 2021.

GIZ will work with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Sciences and Higher Education on how to use medical equipment effectively and build capacity building and technical training.

GIZ Country Director Peter Palesch said the cooperation works in areas of agriculture, health, education, biodiversity and food safety in Ethiopia.

According to him, 50 percent of medical equipment in Ethiopian health institutions, including hospitals, and 70 percent of the equipment in rural health institutions are not in use.

Technical training will, therefore, be provided to put into use equipment not in use due to lack of skill in maintenance, he added.

Medical Services Director-General at Ministry of Health, Dr. Yacob Seman said the project will strengthen the capacity of health professionals.

He added that it will fill the gap observed among health professionals and bio-medical technicians in using medical equipment effectively.

Dr. Yacob stated that medical equipment found at different health institutions in the country and bought at high cost have not been giving services for long time. This, he added, creates obstacle on the provision of health services and has negative economic impact on the country. The Director-General further said Ministry of Health is working in cooperation with experienced international organizations on the effective use of medical equipment by organizing a directorate controlling the activity