Over 25,000 Ethiopians gain access to quality healthcare and education as Italy and UNOPS inaugurate facilities in South Omo

The inauguration ceremony marks the successful completion of a key infrastructure under the "Multi-Sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Hamer" project, implemented by UNOPS Ethiopia in partnership and funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the South Ethiopia regional government.

The  Dimeka health center delivery room, Maternal Block, EPI Block, OPD Block, Registration/Card Block General Store/Drug Block, and Toilet are now fully rehabilitated while staff residence, maternity waiting rooms, staff duty Room, and guard House have been added to the health center. The Health Center now has access to water sources while sanitation facilities are added to it. 

Aeriya Qeyissa Primary School is expanded to have 13 new blocks which include, administration building, library and book store, kitchen, cafeteria, classrooms (4), early childhood classroom, toilets (3), and guard house while the laboratory and store block have been fully rehabilitated.

Both facilities are expected to directly benefit over 55,000 community members in Hamer Woreda, South Omo zone. The expanded health facility offers upgraded healthcare services to address the needs of a community affected by climate change, while the Aeriya Qeyissa Primary School enhancements include improved student feeding pace, water accessibility, and hygiene services benefiting more than 800 children.

The 3-year project, funded by the Government of Italy through AICS with a €7.6 million grant (out of which €3 million dedicated to South Omo, Hamer Woreda), addresses critical health and education challenges in this climate-vulnerable region. All infrastructures have been designed to be gender-sensitive and accessible for persons with disabilities and all community members, and has reliable energy through solar power, ensuring uninterrupted services and a cleaner energy future.

The school project directly addressed severe challenges in the Aeriya Qeyissa area, where students previously learned in overcrowded classrooms or outdoors under trees, and communities lacked access to clean water, sanitation, and reliable energy, which hindered education and health-seeking behaviors.

Speaking at the inauguration, H.E. Sem Fabrizi, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, stated: "Italy is proud to work with Ethiopia authorities and communities 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. This partnership is designed to deliver lasting benefits and to support Ethiopia’s efforts towards a more resilient and equitable future."

Commenting on the inauguration, the Head of AICS’ Addis Ababa, Michele Morana, said that these newly inaugurated facilities are “a tangible demonstration of Italy’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s development priorities. By investing in health and education in climate-vulnerable regions like South Omo, we aim to strengthen community resilience, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for future generations. Collaboration with UNOPS and local authorities ensures that these interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of the people."

Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, UNOPS Multi-Country Director, added: "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. We are proud to have worked alongside the Government of Italy and the South Ethiopia regional government to deliver tangible improvements that will serve this community for years to come, reducing inequality and contributing to better health and education outcomes."

The project's multi-sectoral approach integrates health, education, water, and energy to create sustainable impact. Today's inauguration in South Ethiopia follows the successful completion and inauguration of similar project in Chifra, Afar region in October 2025, where more than 36,000 beneficiaries, who have been affected by civil war in the northern Ethiopia, now have access to improved healthcare and education services, marking the full realization of Italy and UNOPS' broader initiative to strengthen health systems and support vulnerable populations across Ethiopia.

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Notes to the editors

Press contact details: 

• Giulia Bolognini: Head of the Press Office, Italian Embassy in Ethiopia, Email: addisabeba.pr@esteri.it
• Meron Aberra, Communication Officer, UNOPS, Tel: +251 911221060, Email: merons@unops.org
• Roberto Capocelli, Communication Expert, AICS, Tel: +251 933565602, Email: roberto.capocelli@aics.gov.it