UNOPS and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation sign 7.6 million Euros to support multi-sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Afar and SNNP Regions in Ethiopia.
The 3-year project will significantly contribute to enhancing access to education, health, water, and energy. The project is stated to improve the uptake and quality of healthcare service delivery for more than 62,000 beneficiaries and will also improve the quality and uptake of education in primary schools through improved nutrition and hygiene services benefiting around 2,000 children.
The multi-sectoral intervention project will be implemented in the woredas of Chifra and Hamer in the Afar and SNNP regions. The project will ensure that all infrastructures constructed and rehabilitated are gender sensitive and disability friendly to cater to people living with disabilities and the target population.
Additionally, the project will also provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia to enhance its resilience.
“The Italian Government is proud to contribute to this initiative, whose aim is to address some of the most vulnerable communities in the country, affected by the impact of the conflict and by climate shocks, through the rehabilitation of health-centers and schools, infrastructures for access to water and sanitation,focusing on environmental-friendly and sustainable interventions,” stated Amb. Agostino Palese Italian ambassador to Ethiopia, adding, “This initiative includes a specific component regarding technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia to strengthen resilience and capacity to face emergency situations.”
Worknesh Mekonnen, Multi-Country Office (Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Djibouti) Director and Representative to the AU on her part said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Italian government to enhance basic social services in the woredas of Chifra and Hamer in the Afar and SNNP regions. For millions of Ethiopians, inadequate access to essential services has a severe impact on their quality of life, which leads to inequality, exclusion, and poverty. Our goal is to support people in leading better lives and for the nation in achieving lasting peace and development.”