USAID concludes maternal health project worth $37.5mn in four regions

Addis Ababa March 7, 2023 (FBC) -The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the completion of the USAID Transform: Health in Developing Regions project worth $37.5 million (over 2 bln Birr) in Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali Regions.

According to a press release sent to FBC, the $37.5 million project was launched in 2017 to give newborns the best care, protection, and introduction to life by providing women access to skilled professionals for their prenatal care, delivery, and post-natal care.

USAID/Ethiopia activity remains the single largest health investment in maternal and child health in four regions of Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali, the release added.

According to the release the project was implemented through a consortium led by Amref Health Africa, which worked hand-in-hand with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to narrow the health equity gap in these four regions.

In addition, the project directed $2.7 million (145 mln Birr) to unexpected natural disasters, healthcare, and other emergencies, including COVID-19, drought, flooding, and emergency support to conflict-affected areas.

It also administered supplemental doses of COVID-19 vaccines funding worth 4.8 million in developing regions.

The release further indicated that the conclusion of the project was celebrated at the Haile Grand Resort Hotel in Addis Ababa and attended by.

Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health; Misrak Makonnen, Country Director of AMREF Health Africa; Sentayehu Tsegaye, Chief of Party for USAID Transform: Health in Developing Regions and Timothy Stein, USAID/Ethiopia Deputy Mission Director. Distinguished regional health bureau and other Government of Ethiopia representatives also attended the ceremony.

By: Yonathan Yoseph