Ethiopia

Ethiopia's HSTP-II (2020/21–2024/25) builds on the successes of HSTP-I, aligning with the national development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key priorities include Universal Health Coverage (UHC), health system resilience, and equity-driven service delivery. HSTP-II demonstrates significant progress in health indicators such as reduced maternal mortality (401 per 100,000 live births in 2017) and child mortality. UHC access improved, with potential coverage reaching 90% in 2019. Notable achievements include expanded health infrastructure, primary care coverage, and reductions in malaria and TB incidence. Community health insurance coverage grew to 70% of woredas. However, neonatal mortality (33 per 1,000 live births) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain significant challenges​​. HSTP-II focuses on equity, quality, and sustainability. The plan highlights 14 strategic directions, including improving comprehensive health services, human resource management, digital health, and health financing reforms. Key challenges include geographic and socioeconomic disparities in service access, suboptimal quality of care, and financial gaps. Out-of-pocket health expenditure remains high at 31% of total health costs. Workforce shortages and poor resource allocation undermine service delivery in rural and conflict-affected areas​​. Moving forward, prioritizing health workforce motivation, improving digital health systems, and strengthening multi-sectoral governance are critical to achieving HSTP-II’s targets. The plan remains an ambitious yet essential framework for addressing Ethiopia’s triple burden of communicable diseases, NCDs, and injuries while building resilience against public health emergencies.