COVID-19 Response in Ethiopia
21 December 2021
According to latest WHO figures, as of 13 December 2021, Ethiopia has recorded over 372,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with over 6,800 deaths. Following the first registered case in March 2020, all health facilities diverted their available resources away from routine services towards the preparation for COVID-19 prevention. Facilities allocated spaces for treating COVID-19 patients and re-allocated staff time, at the expense of other essential services such as maternal, newborn and child health, non-communicable diseases, surgery, and HIV, TB and malaria. The availability of essential drugs and medical equipment was also affected due to the disruption of the general supply chain system and of referral systems, limitations on public transportation, and the total closure of essential services at many health facilities.
In 2021, through our COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM), the Global Fund supported Ethiopia with over US$111.1 million to fight COVID-19, with a particular focus on strengthening the community health system, which is a well-integrated program in the country. In addition, C19RM funding will support Ethiopia to improve epidemiological surveillance, including through strengthening laboratory systems, COVID-19 case finding, contact tracing, case management, and home-based isolation and care. C19RM investments will also strengthen infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement, and the protection of vulnerable populations. In addition, funding will help to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on HIV, TB and malaria services.