Launch of the “Multi-Sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Afar” Project

Launch of the “Multi-Sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Afar” Project

Today, UNOPS Ethiopia, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and Afar regional office representatives launched the project “Multi-Sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Afar”. The project Launch workshop took place at Semera, Hotel Ardi, Afar marking the official start of field-level activities to be implemented in collaboration with the regional bureaus, which includes the rehabilitation and expansion of Wa’ama Primary School and Health Centre.

• The 3-year project will improve the uptake and quality of healthcare service delivery for more than 36,000 beneficiaries in Chifra, Afar.

• The project will also improve the quality and uptake of education in the Wa’ama Primary School through improved nutrition and hygiene services benefiting around 600 children of the community. 

The government of Italy and UNOPS signed a €7.6 million project to support the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen the health systems and alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable population through access to quality healthcare services and nutrition for school-going children. The multi-sectoral intervention project will be implemented in the woredas of Chifra and Hamer in the Afar and South Ethiopia regions.

The project intervention will significantly contribute to enhancing access to education, health, water, and energy. Access to quality health services will also address the health challenges the communities are facing directly reaching the communities living in Wa’ama. The project will ensure that all infrastructure constructed/rehabilitated are gender sensitive and disability friendly to cater to the needs of PLWDs and the target population.

Speaking at the launch Ms. Isabella Lucaferri said “The project confirms the Italian commitment to improve the life condition of the most vulnerable communities with quality health, educational services and improved WASH facilities and a specific attention to the environment in line with attaining the SDG goals of Agenda 2030 and with the sectoral Governmental Plans”.

Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Multi-Country Office (Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Djibouti) Director and Representative to the AU on her part said “We are happy to work with the Italian government to improve the fundamental social services provided in the Afar regions woredas of Chifra. Inadequate access to basic services negatively affects the quality of life for millions of Ethiopians, contributing to poverty, marginalization, and inequality.  Our mission is to assist individuals in living better lives and countries in establishing enduring peace and development”.