20 Million Citizens Targeted Under Ethiopia’s Expanded Volunteer Health Service Program

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2026 (FMC) — About 20 million citizens are expected to benefit from Ethiopia’s expanded volunteer health service program during the country’s rainy season, Minister of Health Mekdes Daba said.

The nationwide voluntary health service program was officially launched at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, bringing together health professionals to provide free medical services to communities across the country.

Speaking at the launch event, Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Lomi Bedo said Ethiopia’s rainy season is traditionally a period when citizens come together to support one another through solidarity and volunteerism.

She expressed appreciation to the health professionals participating in the voluntary service, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ongoing development efforts through collective action and effective utilization of available resources.

Health Minister Mekdes Daba said the voluntary health service initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has the potential to serve as a model for other countries. She added that efforts are underway to integrate voluntary health services into Ethiopia’s healthcare system.

The minister recalled that more than 15 million citizens benefited from free medical services through the voluntary health service program last year, noting that this year’s initiative aims to expand access and reach 20 million people.

She also highlighted the contributions of the previous year’s campaign, saying volunteers collected 176,000 units of blood and helped reduce resource wastage by repairing medical equipment, according to information from the Ministry of Health.