United Nations in Ethiopia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ethiopia:

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01 October 2025

Youth in Action for Peace: Ethiopia marks International Day of Peace

Jigjiga, Somali Region – With young voices rising at the forefront of peacebuilding, Ethiopia joined the world in marking the International Day of Peace in Jigjiga, Somali Region, a celebration that underscored the transformative role of youth in shaping a more peaceful future. The gathering brought together young people from across Ethiopia, alongside government leaders, civil society organizations, and representatives of the United Nations, to reflect on the central role of youth in advancing peace and security.Globally, the UN marked the day under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” In Ethiopia, this global call to action found a powerful echo in Jigjiga, where the energy and determination of young people was at the forefront of discussions. Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Zebulon Takwa (PhD), Peace and Development Adviser to the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team, stressed that peace is not a distant goal but a responsibility of the present.“It is not something we can postpone to a distant future or hope will come about on its own. Peace must be built through consistent action, commitment, and courage, today. With one of the largest youth populations on the continent, Ethiopia’s future will be shaped by the collective energy, vision, and leadership of its young people. Youth are not only the beneficiaries of peace, but they are also its builders, its champions, and its guardians.” Istahil Ali Abdilahi and Mohamud Bare Hassan — both displaced by the Oromia –Somali conflict in 2018 and now living in Qoloji IDP camp, Somali Region, exemplify how young people affected by conflict can become champions of peace.Istahil, 20, fluent in Somali and conversant in Oromifa, represents displaced girls through the IDPs support committee, promoting dialogue, social cohesion, and sustainable peace. Mohamud, 25, a father of two and chairperson of the Displaced Youth Association, advocates for dialogue, security, and durable solutions, stressing that youth must be at the center of peacebuilding. Youth at the heart of national peace effortsState Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Muna Mohammed, said that the Ethiopian government has already taken steps to integrate young people into peacebuilding processes. She emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive national peace and security action plan for youth:“Conflicts, social instability, and disparities in benefiting from and participating in economic activities pose challenges that affect our youth. The preparation of a comprehensive national peace and security action plan for youth can help us address these challenges. This document is not only recommendations for a policy, but an urgent call to action.”Echoing the State Minister’s statement, Faud Gena, President of the Ethiopian Youth Council, highlighted the momentum behind the government-led process to develop a national action plan on youth, peace and security (YPS):“At the national level, under the leadership of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, preparations have begun to develop a national action plan on youth, peace, and security. When this process is finalized and moves into implementation, the youth who represent 70 percent of our nation’s productive and dynamic force will play a crucial role in sustaining peace by making meaningful contributions to dialogue, reconciliation, and nation building.”Ethiopia in the Global Youth, Peace and Security AgendaEthiopia’s efforts do not stand alone. They align with a growing global recognition of the role of youth in peacebuilding — most notably through the UN’s Youth, Peace and Security agenda, born from UN Security Council Resolution 2250 adopted in 2015. This historic resolution recognized the positive role of youth in building and sustaining peace and established a framework built around five pillars: participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, and disengagement and reintegration.The YPS agenda urges governments to meaningfully include young people in decision-making, ensure their rights and safety, prevent their exclusion from economic and social opportunities, and foster partnerships that amplify youth voices. In Ethiopia, this agenda is beginning to take shape through concrete initiatives. Young people have participated in the national dialogue process, regional peace conferences, and training programs on peacebuilding and conflict prevention organized by civil society and the UN. The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs has supported youth councils and economic empowerment projects, while the Ministry of Peace has launched youth voluntarism initiatives to strengthen local peace efforts. At the same time, measures launched by Ministry of Labor and Skills such as the Job Creation Fund and skills-building programs aim to address youth unemployment, one of the root causes of instability. Importantly, the development of Ethiopia’s first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security has officially begun, creating a framework to consolidate and expand these efforts. Though still evolving, these efforts reflect Ethiopia’s growing alignment with the global YPS framework, where youth are not only included, but increasingly recognized and empowered as active peacebuilders.Our Youth: Our Future Globally, half of the world’s population is under the age of 30. By 2030, this is expected to reach 57 percent. Young people have the most to lose from inaction on issues like conflict, inequality, and climate change, but they also have the most to offer. From mediating local disputes in rural Ethiopia to building tech startups in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian youth can prove daily that peace is not abstract. Rather, it is something that can be built through innovation, dialogue, and opportunity.The commemoration in Jigjiga was more than a ceremony. It was a reminder that peace begins with youth. As the country develops its national action plan on YPS, the voices heard on this International Day of Peace will remain a guiding compass: peace cannot wait for tomorrow, it must be built today, and when youth are given the space to lead, they do not only inherit the future, they create it!

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25 September 2025

Threads of Hope: Mebrihit’s Journey from Conflict to Empowerment

In a sunlit room at the Mum for Mums compound in Mekelle, Mebrihit Hayelom examines a pair of freshly sewn absorbent sanitary shorts, each stitch a testament to survival, resilience, and the promise of a better future. Just a few months ago, producing hygienic menstrual products for her community seemed unimaginable. Today, it represents hope, not just for her, but for countless women and girls in Ethiopia’s conflict-affected Tigray region.At 32, Mebrihit is a single mother, a survivor of war, and now an aspiring entrepreneur. Her story is shaped by loss, struggle, and a determination to rebuild her life. Thanks to a groundbreaking initiative by UNFPA Ethiopia, with the generous support of the Government of Japan in partnership with ITOCHU Corporation, Mebrihit is turning hardship into opportunity, empowering herself and her community.A Life Upended by ConflictBefore the conflict in Tigray, Mebrihit lived a modest but stable life. She had a home, a small income, and access to necessities, including sanitary products. But when conflict reached Tigray, everything changed.“We lost our security, our livelihoods, and our dignity,” she recalls, her voice steady but her eyes reflecting deep pain. “Women bore the heaviest burdens. Even the most basic need, managing menstruation, turned into a daily ordeal fraught with shame and discomfort.”Markets were destroyed, and supply chains were disrupted. Sanitary pads became a luxury many could no longer afford. Mebrihit and other women resorted to using old pieces of cloth, a solution that was uncomfortable, unhygienic, and often humiliating. The psychological toll was immense.“We helped each other when we could, but the shame and stress were unbearable,” she says. “No woman should have to go through that.”A New Beginning Through the Japan-funded TICAD ProjectIn February 2025, UNFPA Ethiopia launched the Japan-funded TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) project to empower women and girls in conflict-affected areas of Amhara and Tigray. The initiative offered more than skills, it provided a lifeline.When Mebrihit heard about the training to produce absorbent sanitary shorts, she did not hesitate. “I wanted to learn, to stand on my own feet again, and to help other women,” she says.The project upgraded the Mum for Mums training center in Mekelle, equipping it with sewing machines, materials for producing absorbent sanitary shorts, and expert trainers supported by UNFPA in partnership with ITOCHU Corporation. Over four weeks, Mebrihit and her peers learned how to manufacture high-quality, absorbent sanitary shorts, an affordable, sustainable alternative to disposable pads.But the training went beyond production. Participants also received education on sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention, and financial literacy through Village Savings and Loan Associations. For Mebrihit, this holistic approach was transformative.“I didn’t just learn how to sew,” she explains. “I learned about my health, my rights, and how to manage a business. For the first time in years, I felt in control of my future.”From Trainee to EntrepreneurToday, Mebrihit is conducting market research, connecting with potential customers, and planning her small business. The project provides start-up packages to graduates, ensuring they have the tools to launch their enterprises immediately.“Next year, I want to build a sustainable business,” she says with quiet determination. “Not just for myself, but to make sure no woman in my community has to suffer like we did. I want my business to be about more than profit. I want it to be about dignity, health, and hope for every woman here.”Her vision extends beyond income. She dreams of a Tigray where menstrual hygiene is no longer a barrier to education, work, or dignity. Where women support each other, not just in survival, but in thriving.A Model of Innovation and PartnershipMebrihit’s story shows the power of collaboration. By combining UNFPA’s expertise in sexual and reproductive health and empowerment with private-sector innovation, the TICAD project addresses immediate needs while building long-term economic resilience.The project’s success will be showcased at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) 9 in August 2025, where leaders from Africa and beyond will gather under the theme: “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa.” Mebrihit’s journey embodies this spirit, proving that when communities, governments, and businesses work together, even the most vulnerable can reclaim their futures.Looking AheadAs Mebrihit prepares to graduate from the program, she reflects on how far she has come. The trauma of war still lingers, but it no longer defines her. With every stitch, every sale, every step, she is building a future filled with hope.“This project gave me hope. And now, I want to pass that hope on to others” she says. In a region still healing from conflict, stories like Mebrihit’s are beacons of resilience. They remind us that even in the darkest times, innovation, partnership, and the strength of women can light the way forward.

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31 July 2025

The Bell of Hope Ushering a New Chapter for Sudanese Children in Ethiopia

Metema, Ethiopia – As the midday bell rings at Metema Yohannes Primary School, laughter erupts across the schoolyard. Children spill from their classrooms, racing to their lunch bags, kicking around a makeshift football, and darting toward the toilets – precious minutes of joy and movement.For these children, many of whom fled the conflict in Sudan, this bell signals more than a break from lessons – it marks a fragile sense of safety after months of uncertainty.Located in Metema, a quiet border town in western Ethiopia, the school has become a haven for Sudanese and Ethiopian children escaping violence that erupted in April 2023. The sudden influx of refugees has put enormous pressure on this once-overlooked community.“Even before the crisis, we were stretched thin,” says Mekonnen Kassa, Deputy Principal of Metema Yohannes Primary School. “But when the number of students grew overnight, it became a real struggle, especially when it came to sanitation.”One latrine for every 265 students. That was the reality.For Kalkidan, 14, the school offered hope – but even that came with challenges. “We only have 15 minutes for break. The toilet line was always long. By the time I got back to class, I was sometimes late. Once, the teacher thought I was skipping,” she says, eyes downcast.Her classmate Dagim, 13, adds, “It wasn’t just about the wait. It was about feeling embarrassed. There weren’t enough toilets. And when you're worried about that, it’s hard to think about schoolwork.”The consequences go beyond inconvenience. Inadequate sanitation leads to illness, missed school days, and emotional stress – especially for adolescent girls. The lack of clean, safe toilets silently threatens children's health, dignity, and future.Recognizing the urgency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) stepped in. After assessing the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) needs at the school, IOM constructed two semi-permanent latrine blocks, each with 12 stalls – divided for boys and girls, and equipped with inclusive features for students with disabilities.“These facilities aren't just structures, they restore dignity,” says Alehegn Ayele, IOM WASH Assistant. “When students have access to clean, safe toilets, they show up differently. They focus, they participate, they thrive.”The change was immediate and visible. “Now the student-to-toilet ratio is one for every 105 students,” says Deputy Principal Mekonnen. “That’s a huge improvement. We’ve seen fewer absences and a real lift in morale.”For Kalkidan, the difference is deeply felt. “Now, I don’t have to rush or worry about being late. I can just focus on learning.”From 2023 to today, IOM has constructed or rehabilitated over 5,300 latrines across Ethiopia –benefiting more than 100,000 refugees, displaced persons, returnees, and host community members. But in places like Metema, the impact is measured not only in numbers, but in the smiles of students reclaiming their right to learn.Because when a child feels safe enough to learn, they don’t just survive – they begin to dream again. And with every latrine built, every hand washed, and every bell rung, hope echoes a little louder across the border.

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31 July 2025

On the path to recovery: WFP’s Voucher for Treatment programme Empowers Mothers and children to Combat Malnutrition

Hawa Mohammed cradles her 10-month-old baby and listens intently to a nutritious food preparation demonstration in Guguftu village in South Wollo zone of the Amhara region. Hawa’s daughter, Hassinet, is malnourished and has been enrolled into WFP’s Voucher for Treatment programme, after Hawa brought her to the Guguftu Health Post. This demonstration is an integral part of WFP’s Voucher for Treatment programme, which complements the provision of an electronic voucher that allows participants of the programme to purchase recommended fresh foods that will help set them on the path to recovery from malnutrition. This alternative approach for the use of local foods to address moderate wasting is especially important because it also boosts the local economy and increases the availability of these foods in rural markets. Mothers like Hawa are encouraged to cook and consume these fresh nutritious foods, through culturally sensitive behavior change strategies. “My husband is a farmer,” says Hawa; he is the bread winner of our family. We have a small plot of land from where we grow some crops but could only bring a meagre income. We can hardly afford to buy the varieties of food items to provide for ourselves, let alone something similar to what has been demonstrated.” As part of this Voucher for Treatment programme, Hawa is provided with the electronic voucher so she can buy recommended nutritious food items from local traders. The programme holds screening at the community level, where health workers assess individuals—especially children and pregnant or breastfeeding women—for signs of malnutrition or health concerns. The women and children have routine follow-ups at the health post every two weeks, where their progress is monitored, and additional support is given as needed. Health workers also conduct home visits, offering community support and reinforcing health and nutrition education. Once the nutrition demonstration ends, Hawa and the other mothers head to the market to purchase special food items from retail sellers to prepare nutritious meals for their children at their homes. At the markets, they have access to different food items from the food groups such as cereals, legumes/pulses, animal proteins and fruits, and vegetables, iodized salt, and vegetable oil. The quantities of each food item are determined for the moderately malnourished children and mothers respectively, to meet a minimum nutrient profile deemed to be sufficient to ensure nutritional recovery.“Look how happy my child is, she’s so healthy and always cheerful,” says Hawa pointing at her daughter. “It is surprising even for myself that she’s never been sick since I began feeding her the recommended food items which I get for free through the voucher system. I am so grateful for this opportunity,” she said with a smile. With thanks to funding from the UK, the programme is being implemented in 42 districts of Amhara, Oromia, Central, Sidama, and Southern Ethiopia regions reaching 120,000 malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.Hawa is now well enlightened about nutrition and is determined to support her daughter to recover and grow healthy.

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31 July 2025

From Firewood to the Future: Ethiopia’s Clean Cooking Roadmap Charts a Bold Path to 2035

As of 2024, less than 10%* of Ethiopia’s population has access to clean cooking solutions—far below the global average. This gap has serious and far-reaching consequences. Most households still rely on traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and animal dung, which pose significant health, gender, environmental, and economic challenges.Indoor air pollution from these fuels causes premature deaths, particularly among women and children. Women also spend many hours collecting firewood, exposing them to health risks and gender-based violence. Environmentally, this practice contributes to deforestation, CO₂ emissions, and soil degradation. Economically, the cost of inaction outweighs the cost of intervention.To address this, Ethiopia has launched a Clean Cooking Roadmap to increase access to clean cooking solutions to 75% by 2035. This ambitious but achievable target aims to save lives, protect the environment, and support national development.Despite previous efforts, Ethiopia’s clean cooking sector has struggled due to fragmented initiatives, limited financing, and the absence of a national framework. While various strategies and projects exist, they lack coordination and a unified direction. Historically, cookstove initiatives have received only a fraction of the investmentallocated to electricity infrastructure. Without a comprehensive, costed, and time-bound plan, scaling clean cooking solutions has remained slow and unsustainable.The Solution: A National RoadmapThe newly launched National Clean Cooking Roadmap (2026–2035) is designed to address these systemic challenges. It is evidence-based and costed, built on data, modelling, and community assessments to ensure that interventions are tailored to local needs, cooking habits, and realities.With clear milestones and targets, the roadmap charts a path toward achieving 75% access by 2035. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), Ethiopia’s climate commitments, and the 10-year development plan. It also integrates clean cooking with electrification, gender inclusion, and climate finance.According to the Investment Plan of the National Clean Cooking Roadmap, Ethiopia will require $3.38 billion through 2035 to meet its targets. Funding will come from a mix of grants, carbon credits, concessional loans, government contributions, and private sector investment.Who Is InvolvedGovernment leadership is central to the roadmap’s success, with the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) leading the process. The roadmap brings together private sector actors and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to innovate and scale clean cooking technologies. These efforts are supported through business development assistance and access to finance.Development partners are also playing a key role by providing technical and financial support, including results-based financing and grants. A newly established National Clean Cooking Coordination Unit will harmonize efforts across government ministries, NGOs, civil society, development partners, academia, and the private sector.UNDP’s RoleAlthough the roadmap is government-led, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a catalytic role.UNDP provides technical and analytical support, including value chain analysis, modeling, and target-setting to ensure that interventions are both effective and scalable.UNDP also helps convene stakeholders by supporting platforms for collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector. This strengthens coordination and alignment. Importantly, UNDP’s involvement reinforces government ownership and builds national capacity for long-term sustainability.The Vision AheadWith the right actions and investments, the roadmap can significantly expand access to clean cooking. This will:Reduce the burden on womenImprove public healthCreate economic opportunitiesLower emissionsProtect forestsEnhance climate resilienceNow is the time for government, communities, and partners to come together and turn this vision into reality. The roadmap provides a clear direction—but achieving its goals will require collective commitment and sustained effort.

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Press Release

07 October 2025

UNOPS Hands Over Surveying Drones to Support Smart Farming in Ethiopia

The handover ceremony took place on October 7, 2025 in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abraham Belay, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands.The drones are designed to bring practical solutions to farmers and communities across Ethiopia. With their advanced sensors, they can estimate crop yields even before harvest, giving farmers a clearer picture of what to expect and how to plan ahead. They can also monitor crop health, spotting early signs of pests or disease that might otherwise go unnoticed until too late. In irrigation and soil management, the drones help prevent common challenges like water loss, fertilizer waste, or equipment failures that can damage plants and reduce harvests. The high-quality images they capture can also be transformed into vegetation maps, helping experts and farmers make better decisions about land use and crop rotation. Beyond crops, the technology supports the wider rural environment: it can aid forestry and wetland management, and even allow farmers to remotely check on their cattle, ensuring that livestock have safe grazing areas and access to water. Together, these applications make farming more efficient, sustainable, and resilient helping farmers protect their livelihoods and secure food for their communities.Speaking at the event, Ms Worknesh Mekonnen, UNOPS Director, Horn of Africa Multi Country Office and Djibouti and Representative to the AU, said: “These drones will give the Ministry of Irrigation & Lowlands powerful tools to better serve farmers across Ethiopia. By helping the Ministry monitor crops, water use, and livestock more effectively, the drones will support smarter decisions that directly benefit rural communities. Our partnership is about providing the Ministry with the necessary support in key areas, enabling it to play a stronger role in advancing Ethiopia’s national strategy for enhanced productivity, food security, and sustainable development."Press contact details:Meron Aberra, Communication Specialist E-mail merons@unops.org | Mobile: +251-911 221060 www.unops.org/ethiopia Twitter/X: @UNOPS_HoAAbout UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org.

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Press Release

20 June 2025

Ethiopia and United Nations Sign New Cooperation Framework

The Government of Ethiopia and the United Nations in Ethiopia have officially signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2025 to 2030, signaling a renewed partnership aimed at advancing Ethiopia’s development priorities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance and was attended by Her Excellency Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance of Ethiopia, and Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia. The event was further attended by Heads of UN agencies operating in Ethiopia, emphasizing the strong collaborative effort to support the country’s development agenda.The new Cooperation Framework aims to address Ethiopia’s most urgent challenges through a comprehensive approach that promotes resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth by strengthening resilience to climate change and economic shocks, building sustainable food systems and improving livelihoods—particularly in rural areas—creating job opportunities with a focus on empowering youth and women, modernizing development programs through digital transformation, and providing targeted support to vulnerable populations such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.This framework is developed through an inclusive, participatory process aligned with Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan and the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda 2.0. It also reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing self-reliance, peace, and stability. The UNSDCF is organized around five strategic pillars—Peace and Good Governance; Economic Development, Food Security, and Energy; Social Services, Education, and Protection; Environmental Sustainability, Climate Resilience, and Disaster Preparedness; and Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment—that will guide interventions over the next five years, with the aim of complementing and strengthening Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts toward sustainable and inclusive development.An estimated US$6.5 billion is required to implement the framework fully over five years. Currently, approximately US$1.5 billion has been mobilized, leaving a funding gap of US$5 billion. Addressing this gap will be critical for realizing the framework’s objectives and ensuring impactful results.Ethiopia hosts one of the largest United Nations Country Teams (UNCT) globally, comprising about 28 UN agencies based in Addis Ababa. To enhance coordination and maximize impact, the framework introduces strengthened mechanisms, including empowered Results Groups responsible for integrated planning, monitoring, and reporting. These measures are designed to improve coherence and efficiency across UN interventions.“The new Cooperation Framework embodies our shared vision and trust in Ethiopia’s reform journey,” said Her Excellency Semereta Sewasew. “It sets a strong foundation for transformative progress, and I urge all UN agencies to fully implement the coordination mechanisms outlined, as this is essential for maximizing our collective impact.”Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov emphasized, “This Framework reflects the strength of our partnership with Ethiopia. Through joint efforts, we aim to build resilient systems, empower women and youth, and develop sustainable solutions so that no one is left behind. The UN is committed to leveraging its expertise and partnerships to support Ethiopia’s development priorities and accelerate progress toward the SDGs.”The UNSDCF is scheduled to commence in July 2025, with the Government of Ethiopia reaffirming its commitment to its effective implementation. The partnership aims to deliver measurable progress in Ethiopia’s journey toward a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient nation.

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Press Release

10 April 2025

UNOPS Executive Director to visit Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan

Jorge Moreira da Silva, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director, is scheduled to visit the Africa region, in a five-day visit that will take him to Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan. During his visit, Mr. Moreira da Silva will meet national authorities and development partners. He will discuss the practical solutions that UNOPS offer to partners to maximize the impact of their humanitarian, development and peace operations ―all in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.The visit also aims at getting a better understanding of the needs on the ground, and how UNOPS can scale operations to respond.UNOPS ongoing support in the region includes: In Sudan, where half of the population ―some 25 million people― need humanitarian assistance and protection, UNOPS is strengthening health infrastructure, improving access to clean, safe water, supporting peacekeeping operations to protect civilians, and facilitating a more sustainable and equitable use of natural resources. In Somalia, UNOPS works to strengthen the capacity of Somali institutions and supports partners in a range of sectors, such as health, governance, peace and security. We work to support reconstruction and state-building through disaster preparedness planning, crisis recovery, climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthening of the security sector.In Ethiopia, UNOPS works with partners to support national and international development priorities. Over the years, with our partners, we have helped strengthen health and education systems and supported food security. This includes environmentally friendly solutions and innovative models to modernize Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, provide clean energy to off-grid areas and improve health services across the country.ENDSPress contact details:For media requests, please contact Taraneh Dadar <taranehd@unops.org> or Luis Piselli <luispi@unops.org>About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org.

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Press Release

09 April 2025

Restoring Hope: Health and Education Facilities Rebuilt in Asgede Woreda, Tigray

Tigray, Ethiopia, April 2025 – In a significant step towards rebuilding essential public services in conflict-affected areas, the Edaga Hibret Health Centre and May Hanse Primary School in Asgede Woreda, Tigray, have been successfully rehabilitated and officially handed over on April 8 and 9, 2025 respectively. These projects were part of the Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia (3R4CACE) Project, financed by the World Bank and implemented by UNOPS, demonstrating a commitment to restoring critical health and education services for the community.The conflict had left both the health centre and the school severely damaged, disrupting access to healthcare and education for thousands. Through these reconstruction efforts, the Government of Ethiopia and its partners have worked to rebuild resilient infrastructure that now serves the needs of the local population. Healthcare at Edaga Hibret Health Centre - The Edaga Hibret Health Centre, which had previously suffered extensive damage—including the destruction of the outpatient department (OPD), pharmacy, and chemical storage areas has been rehabilitated to once again provide essential healthcare services. The newly improved facility now includes:A new pharmacy block to enhance medical supply storage and distributionA hybrid toilet building with a septic tank and soak-away pit for better sanitationA water supply system to improve hygiene standardsAn electrical system to ensure uninterrupted operationsExternal works, such as fencing, gates, walkways, and water points, creating a secure and accessible environmentWith these improvements, the health centre is now able to serve 20,000 patients, ensuring better access to quality healthcare, particularly for disabled individuals and vulnerable populations.Education at May Hanse Primary School - Similarly, May Hanse Primary School has been reconstructed to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for students who had previously been left without a functioning school. The recovery efforts included:Two new classroom blocks with six classrooms, each accommodating at least 50 studentsA hybrid toilet building with modern sanitation facilitiesA water supply system to support hygiene and daily school operationsAn electrical system for improved learning conditionsExternal works, including fencing, gates, walkways, and landscaping to enhance accessibility and securityAs a result, the school now accommodates 1,978 students, many of whom had no access to education due to the conflict. The school has targeted to employ 46 teachers, ensuring that students receive quality instruction. Additionally, blackboards have been procured, and desks are set to be delivered to fully equip the classrooms.The successful rehabilitation of the Edaga Hibret Health Centre and May Hanse Primary School stands as a testament to the dedication of the Ethiopian government, the World Bank, and UNOPS to restoring essential services and fostering resilience in conflict-affected regions.

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Press Release

06 March 2025

UNOPS supports healthcare delivery in Ethiopia with handover of vital equipment for distribution of supplies

UNOPS is pleased to announce the successful handover of a range of vital equipment to the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS). This procurement, conducted on behalf of EPSS, represents a significant step forward in its mission to strengthen the distribution of healthcare supplies to health facilities nationwide. The delivered items include 2 refrigerator trucks, 16 land cruiser vehicles, 10 euro cargo trucks with refrigerated cargo boxes, 10 mini-vans Euro cargo, 4 mini-vans Trakker with cargo boxes, 19 motorcycles, 18 generators, cold chain equipment, spare parts and accessories, a forklift, and a floor cleaning machine. The procured items are equipped with modern safety measures and eco-friendly technology, intended to enhance the operational capabilities of EPSS branches. This will allow EPSS to deliver services to health facilities with improved efficiency and reliability. During the handover ceremony, Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office of UNOPS, and Representative of the African Union, said: "We are thrilled to deliver these vehicles, generators, cold chain equipment, and other related materials. This handover represents our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our partners, and we take great pride in providing the support that enhances their operations”The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health; Mr. Dr. Abdulkedir Gelgelo, Director General of Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service; Ms.Mazengya Lucy, Africa CDC East Africa Regional Director, and other government officials reflecting the strong partnerships and collaboration driving this initiative.UNOPS remains committed to supporting practical solutions for sustainable development and humanitarian efforts, delivering innovative solutions for community well-being, promoting sustainability, and upholding operational excellence.

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