Italy, UNOPS Sign €6mln to Expand Healthcare Service Delivery in Adwa

ADDIS ABABA – Italy and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on Thursday signed a €6 million financing agreement to expand the Kidane Mihret Catholic General Hospital in Adwa, Tigray region.

The project will contribute to enhancing access to health services for up to more than 70,000 people directly, according to the UNPOS.

Italy’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese said the initiative “shows the strong commitment of the Italian Government to support and improve the health sector in Ethiopia”.

Ambassador Palese further states that the project “will substantially contribute to the infrastructural rehabilitation of the health sector in Tigray.”

“Through the enhancement of the Kidane Mehret hospital, we want to contribute to the realization of a referral hospital for the entire area,” the ambassador added.

According to UNPOS, the initiative involves proposed interventions to address cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and equity.

The hospital through the project will enhance the provision of AnteNatal Care for more than 7,000 women per year, as well as provide essential healthcare services for more than 5,000 women delivering in the hospital annually.

UNPOS Multi-Country Office Director and Representative to the AU, Worknesh Mekonnen extended her appreciation for Italy’s “continued commitment to the cause geared towards improving the lives of the people we serve.

“To the greatest extent possible, UNOPS will ensure that the project is built on the ethos of climate resilient and inclusive infrastructure,” Worknesh said.

The initiative is the third project UNPOS signed with Italy in 2023, per the country director.