Boosting healthcare delivery through strengthening supply chain
16 April 2025
UNOPS hands over vital equipment to EPSS to strengthen medical supply distribution across Ethiopia.
UNOPS Ethiopia has handed over a fleet of vital equipment to the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS), marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to ensure reliable distribution of medical supplies to health facilities nationwide. 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 newly delivered equipment includes a wide array of vehicles and tools essential for logistics and cold chain management: 2 refrigerator trucks, 16 land cruisers, 10 refrigerated euro cargo trucks, 10 mini-vans, 4 Trakker mini-vans with cargo boxes, 19 motorcycles, 18 generators, cold chain equipment, spare parts and accessories, a forklift, and even a floor cleaning machine.
Each item is equipped with modern safety features and eco-conscious technology—designed not just to do the job, but to do it well and sustainably. With these resources, EPSS will be able to expand its reach, delivering critical medical supplies more efficiently, even to the most remote corners of the country.
During the handover ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office and Representative to the African Union, shared her thoughts:
“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 brought together key leaders and partners in the healthcare space, including H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health; Dr. Abdulkedir Gelgelo, Director General of EPSS; and Ms. Mazengya Lucy, Africa CDC East Africa Regional Director, among other government officials. Their presence underscored the strength of the collaboration behind this initiative—and the shared goal of improving healthcare access for all Ethiopians.
This handover is more than just the delivery of equipment. It's a reflection of UNOPS’s ongoing dedication to sustainable development, humanitarian action, and innovative support that improves lives. By investing in practical tools and strong partnerships, UNOPS continues to help build resilient systems that put communities first.