Expanding access to essential services in South Omo: UNOPS and Italy inaugurate health and education facilities

Over 55,000 people in Ethiopia’s South Omo zone will now have improved access to quality healthcare and education following the inauguration of the expanded Dimeka Health Center and Aeriya Keyissa Primary School.

The facilities were rehabilitated and expanded under a €7.6 million project funded by the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by UNOPS. The three-year initiative responds to critical service gaps in a region heavily affected by climate change and limited infrastructure.

The inauguration ceremony on 30 March 2026 was attended by H.E. Mr. Sem Fabrizi, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia; Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, UNOPS Multi-Country Director for Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti; and senior officials from the South Ethiopia Regional Government.

Delivering sustainable infrastructure

At Dimeka Health Center, UNOPS fully rehabilitated key units including the delivery room, maternal block, EPI block, OPD, registration and drug storage blocks, and toilets. New structures were added: staff residence, maternity waiting rooms, staff duty room, and guard house. The center now has reliable access to water and sanitation facilities, as well as solar-powered energy.

At Aeriya Keyissa Primary School, UNOPS constructed 13 new blocks, including:four classrooms; administration building; library and book store; kitchen and cafeteria; early childhood classroom; three toilet blocks, and laboratory and store block (rehabilitated). The school now serves over 800 children, many of whom previously learned outdoors under trees due to overcrowding.

“Access to quality basic services is fundamental to improving lives and building lasting development. These newly inaugurated facilities demonstrate what we can achieve together through strong partnerships.”
Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, UNOPS Multi-Country Director

H.E. Mr. Sem Fabrizi, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia:

“Italy is proud to stand alongside Ethiopia in expanding access to essential services for the most vulnerable communities. Our partnership with UNOPS and regional authorities reflects a shared commitment to strengthening health systems, improving education, and promoting inclusive development.”

Built for inclusion and resilience

All infrastructure was designed according to UNOPS standards for: gender sensitivity; accessibility for persons with disabilities; climate resilience and solar energy integration to ensure uninterrupted services and cleaner energy. The project adopts a multi-sectoral approach, integrating health, education, water, sanitation, and energy interventions to maximize long-term impact.

Part of a broader initiative

The South Omo inauguration follows a similar milestone in Chifra, Afar region (October 2025), where UNOPS and Italy completed interventions benefiting over 36,000 people affected by conflict in northern Ethiopia. Together, these projects represent the full realization of a broader initiative to strengthen health systems and support vulnerable populations across Ethiopia.