Italy Extends 6 Million Euro to United Nations Office for Project Services

Addis Ababa August 3/2023(ENA):- The Italian Embassy in Ethiopia and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) signed a 6-million-Euro project today to expand and strengthen a general hospital in Tigray region of Ethiopia. 

Italy Ambassador Agostino Palese and UNOPS Multi Country Office Director Worknesh Mekonnen inked the agreement.  

The ambassador said during the occasion that the 6-million-Euro project will be implemented through UNOPS to expand and strengthen the Kidane Mehret Catholic General Hospital in Adwa  city.

According to him, the project will ensure the provision of inclusive access to essential health services for more than 70,000 people in a year. 

With this project, Italy will substantially contribute to the infrastructural rehabilitation of the health sector in the northern part of the country, placing Italy at the forefront of the actions to rebuild, sustain and strengthen health services, he stated.

Ambassador Palese also said that Italy is committed to supporting the health sector infrastructures damaged by the war in Amhara and Afar regions.

"We are going to intervene not only in Tigray, but also in Amhara and Afar regions very soon,"  he added. 

Italy's support to Ethiopia will focus on the health and education sectors, he stated, adding the project contributes to the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 10 and 11.  

UNOPS Multi Country Office Director Worknesh Mekonnen on her part appreciated the Government of Italy for supporting Ethiopia through UNOPS to respond to the challenges which are putting the lives of millions of people at risk.

“The ongoing commitment of the Government of Italy to the people of Ethiopia is immense. This is the third project we are signing with the Government of Italy in 2023; and I would like to appreciate the Government of Italy (for its) continued commitment to the cause geared towards improving the lives of the people we serve.”  

This Project will support Ethiopia to deliver SDGs in health and well-being, she noted. 

UNOPS has been supported by the governments of Italy, Japan and the World Bank to provide essential basic services in Ethiopia.