Ethiopia Revitalizes Forum to Advance RMNCH Compact, Sustainable Health Financing

Addis Ababa, December 11, 2025 (ENA)—The Ministry of Health, together with development partners, has revitalized the Joint Coordination Forum (JCF) to speed up the implementation of Ethiopia’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) Compact.

Opening the Joint Coordination Forum today, Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said the renewed forum marks a new era of cooperation that is transparent, predictable, and grounded in shared responsibility.

According to her, the platform remains essential for strategic dialogue, shared learning, and effective alignment among all stakeholders in the health sector.

The Minister urged all actors to maintain strong collaboration and sustain financing efforts to ensure long-term progress in the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health program and overall health system strengthening.

Ethiopia currently needs 140 million USD annually for maternal, child and adolescent health services, it was learned. The fund raising for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) Compact will continue for the coming three years.

Dr. Mekdes added that 167.5 million USD has been mobilized from various development partners.

The Government of Ethiopia has matched this contribution, bringing the total investment for RMNCH priorities to approximately 275 million USD.

“Through the Joint Coordination Forum, we commit to ensuring every dollar leads to real, measurable improvements in communities across Ethiopia,” the Minister affirmed.

Accordingly, the funds raised will be used for medical supplies and equipment, construction of health facilities, capacity building for health professionals, and similar activities.

Speaking on behalf of the donor community, Christine Pirenne, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, commended Ethiopia’s leadership for reactivating the Forum at a critical time.

She noted that coordination requires time, flexibility, and commitment from all partners, but remains vital to maximizing the impact of every investment in the health sector.

 

 

“Our presence here shows our commitment to work together,” Ambassador Pirenne said, reaffirming continued support. “We are united in supporting Ethiopia’s vision for equitable and effective healthcare.”

The revitalized forum is expected to play a central role in aligning priorities, enhancing accountability, and ensuring effective, equitable use of resources for women, adolescents, newborns, and children across the country.