Ethiopia’s Significant Progress in Maternal and Infant Health

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2026 — Ethiopia has recorded commendable advancements in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, thanks to consistent policy implementation and long-term investments in the healthcare sector, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Health.

Celebrating Healthy Motherhood Month

This January marks the 39th global observance of Healthy Motherhood Month and the 20th anniversary of its celebration in Ethiopia. The theme for this year’s initiative is “Innovative and Sustainable Financing for Healthy Motherhood.” The ministry has officially launched the 20th nationwide Safe Motherhood Month under this same theme, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to safeguarding mothers and newborns.

A Rise in Health Facility Deliveries

Dr. Mekdes Daba, the Minister of Health, noted a substantial rise in the number of women giving birth in health facilities. This increase is attributed to better access to healthcare services and a growing public confidence in the nation’s health system.

“The expansion of maternal health services and strengthening of delivery care are producing encouraging results,” Dr. Mekdes stated.

Importance of Surgical Services

The introduction of surgical services in health institutions has been essential in improving maternal outcomes, with increasing prenatal care coverage contributing to better health for mothers and newborns alike. Additionally, voluntary blood donation plays a crucial role in addressing postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal deaths.

“The rising number of voluntary blood donors has been instrumental in saving mothers’ lives,” Dr. Mekdes emphasized.

Strategies for Sustainable Improvement

While acknowledging the considerable progress made, the minister underscored the necessity of ongoing initiatives. Continuous innovation and sustainable financing are crucial for maintaining and enhancing advancements in maternal and newborn health.

“We will keep working with stakeholders to expand digital health information systems, ensure the availability of medical resources, and scale up surgical services,” she added.

Understanding Healthy Motherhood

Healthy motherhood encompasses the well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The month-long campaign serves as a reminder of two decades of improvements in maternal and newborn care, calling for better cooperation, financing, and local solutions to ensure the health of every mother and child.

Dr. Mekdes credited sustained governmental investment for these advancements, stating, “Our efforts to protect mothers and their babies are clearly yielding success.”

Current Milestones and Achievements

Over 61% of pregnant women now safely deliver at health facilities, a significant milestone driven by dedicated frontline health workers and robust community engagement. Improvements in maternal care—before, during, and after childbirth—have been supported by effective referral systems that swiftly transport mothers from health posts to hospitals.

Due to ongoing enhancements, postpartum hemorrhage, a previously leading cause of maternal mortality, has experienced a marked decline.

“We remain committed to reducing maternal and newborn deaths while ensuring healthcare access for all,” Dr. Mekdes emphasized, stating that maternal mortality has significantly decreased over the past two decades, bringing the country closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Investment in Emergency Care

Emergency care services have profound social and economic advantages, and to sustain these improvements, the Ministry of Health is deploying ambulances across the nation and expanding blood banks in various cities.

To further promote a resilient health system, the minister encouraged investors and partners to support local production of medical supplies.

“Now is the time for local manufacturers to replace imports with quality products made at home, building resilient health systems that save future generations,” Dr. Mekdes asserted.

Concluding Thoughts

Sustainable financing and homegrown solutions are pivotal for the ongoing progress of Ethiopia’s health sector. The Safe Motherhood Month symbolizes hope and demonstrates that innovation, partnership, and investment can secure healthier futures for generations to come.

For more information on maternal health initiatives, you can visit organizations focused on global maternal health improvement, such as WHO’s Maternal Health section.

For consistent updates on Ethiopia’s health sector and its initiatives, keep an eye on official announcements from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health.