Abstract:
Ethiopia has been through a number of challenges including COVID-19, conflict, internal displacement,
and other public health emergencies like cholera during the implementation of Ethiopia’s second Health
Sector Transformation Plan (HSTP II). Ethiopia had one of the highest number of COVID-19 cases in
Africa, with a total of 491,979 reported COVID-19 cases and 7,568 cumulative COVID-19-related deaths.
The COVID 19 test positivity rate and case fatality rate were 10% and 1.5%, respectively. Ethiopia was
able to reach almost all households nationwide to test, isolate, and treat COVID-19. In addition to
the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been several other public health emergencies during HSTP II
implementation, such as a measles outbreak in 29 woredas, surges in malaria cases and outbreaks,
as well as a cholera outbreak in Oromia and Somali regions. Furthermore, a total of 48 hospitals, 543
health centers, 2,652 health posts, 5 blood banks, 2 EPSA hubs, 68 woreda and zonal health offices
and 248 ambulances were either looted, damaged or destroyed due to the conflict. The conflict also
affected private health facilities and pharmacy/drug stores in conflict-affected areas. More than 5 million
people have been internally displaced from their homes due to the conflict. Despite these disruptive
shocks, the country was able to largely maintain health service provision, a sign that the health system
is becoming more resilient.
