Federal Gov't, Tigray Region Collaborating to Improve Health Services

Addis Ababa, November 10/2023 2023 (ENA) Tigray Interim Administration Health Bureau Head, Amanuel Haile, said that efforts have been underway to enhance healthcare services in the region, in collaboration with the federal government, since the Pretoria Peace Agreement.  

The Government Communication Service has recently revealed that efforts were exerted to swiftly reinstate telecom, banking, and airline services.

Priority was given in particular to reopening universities, schools, and ministries in order to support agriculture and make education institutions operational.

Overall, good work has been done to rehabilitate health care facilities damaged in the war and resume normal services, according to the head.

The head of the health bureau recalled that the major trouble faced, particularly by mothers and children, was the disruption of health care facilities during the fighting.

Though regular operation of health care facilities was disrupted, he noted that the federal government has made significant efforts to restart work again after the Pretoria peace agreement. 

He said extensive talks were held with senior health ministry officials, and all ministers and state ministers visited Mekelle to inspect facilities and health centers to coordinate resuming operations with relevant departments.

The bureau head said that "there were acute medicine shortages. But now, changes are coming slowly, especially in the procurement of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, vaccination supplies, and malnutrition treatments and services."

This marks a positive shift, Amanuel stated, adding that the bureau has also been collaborating with partners on disease prevention and control. 

Moreover, "the health sector is getting more financing from the government, particularly for HIV, TB, child malnutrition, and food shortage-related activities. This is a change. Beyond this, we are working on rehabilitation and containment with various partner groups and the health ministry." 

With the allocated budget for this Ethiopian fiscal year, talks are underway to rebuild 79 additional health centers, he revealed, calling on all to contribute support to sustain the efforts.

In sum, full implementation of the peace agreement is underway with commitment from all sides, and each party is expected to fulfill their responsibilities to cement the peace.