Authors: Laura Drown, Alemayehu Amberbir, Alula M. Teklu, Meseret Zelalem, Abreham Tariku, Yared Tadesse, Solomon Gebeyehu, Yirdachew Semu, Jovial Thomas Ntawukuriryayo, Amelia VanderZanden, Agnes Binagwaho & Lisa R. Hirschhorn
Ethiopia implemented a national health program called the Health Extension Program (HEP) to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, using health extension workers (HEWs). This study examines how Ethiopia utilized the HEP to introduce evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to reduce under-5 mortality (U5M) and address health disparities. Through a mix of research methods, including data analysis and interviews, the study found that Ethiopia successfully integrated EBIs into its healthcare system using the HEP. By 2014/15, coverage of interventions like the pneumococcal vaccine and integrated community case management had significantly increased. The HEP made healthcare more accessible, especially in rural and pastoralist communities where access was historically low. Although challenges remain, Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging existing community health programs to implement EBIs and improve child health outcomes. More efforts are needed to ensure equitable access to healthcare across all communities. This study provides valuable lessons for other countries seeking to reduce child mortality by leveraging community-based healthcare delivery systems like the HEP.
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Resource Topic: Child health
Resource Type: Cross-sectional mixed methods
Year: 2024
Region: Africa
Country: Ethiopia
Publisher May Restrict Access: No