ETHIOPIA – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Ministry of Health has announced the launch of the new US$63 million USAID Digital Health Activity aimed at modernizing Ethiopia’s Health System.
A statement from the US embassy in Ethiopia stated that the Initiative would continue United States’ investments in digital information solutions to further strengthen Ethiopia’s health system and improve the quality of services.
The new activity builds on U.S.-Ethiopian efforts to create a modernized health information system that ensures the entire sector has the data, analytics, and skills necessary to improve the health and well-being of all Ethiopians.
The five-year USAID Digital Health Activity will train end-users including doctors, nurses, health extension workers, and policymakers at all levels of the health system to utilize technology more effectively and enable them to better serve patients and families across the country.
USAID will also partner with local universities to introduce courses that develop competencies in health innovations and electronic solutions and establish career paths that empower young Ethiopians to drive digital solutions across the sector.
The Digital Health Activity will also create opportunities for entrepreneurs and youth-led tech organizations to utilize their expertise in providing support to health centers.
“In addition to simply expanding digital health systems and strengthening the skills of today’s medical professionals, we are also increasing our focus on developing the leaders of tomorrow to drive health innovations far into the future,” said USAID Mission Director Sean Jones.
USAID’s Digital Health Activity is implemented by John Snow, Inc. – a public health research and consulting firm in the United States and around the world – and a consortium of partners.
The United States is the largest bilateral provider of support to Ethiopia’s health sector, with approximately $150 million per year in funding for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS; malaria; maternal, neonatal and child health; nutrition; and water, sanitation and hygiene.
Overall, the United States has provided approximately $4 billion in development and humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia over the past five years.
