Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Efforts to enhance healthcare services in the Tigray region are being intensified through collaboration between the regional interim administration and the federal government, following the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Head Amanuel Haile stated that since the agreement, priority has been given to rehabilitating healthcare facilities damaged during the conflict. The focus has been on resuming normal services, with particular attention to reopening universities, schools, and ministries to support agriculture and make educational institutions operational.

The Government Communication Service highlighted that swift actions were taken to reinstate telecommunications, banking, and airline services. Amanuel recalled the significant disruptions in healthcare, especially impacting mothers and children during the fighting. He noted that the federal government has made considerable efforts to restart healthcare operations post-agreement.

Senior health ministry officials have engaged in extensive discussions, and ministers have visited Mekelle to inspect facilities and coordinate the resumption of operations. The health bureau has seen improvements, particularly in procuring supplies for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, vaccination, and malnutrition treatments.

There has been an increase in government financing for the health sector, focusing on HIV, tuberculosis, child malnutrition, and food shortage-related activities. This change is part of broader efforts in disease prevention and control, in collaboration with various partner groups and the health ministry.

Plans are in motion to rebuild an additional 79 health centers with the budget allocated for this Ethiopian fiscal year. Amanuel called for continued support to sustain these efforts. The commitment from all sides to fully implement the peace agreement is evident, with each party expected to fulfill their responsibilities to reinforce peace.