Addis Ababa, October 22, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing universal health coverage and building a resilient, self-reliant health system during the inaugural Health Works Leaders’ Coalition Roundtable.
The event was held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
The high-level roundtable, co-chaired by the President of the World Bank and the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), brought together global leaders to accelerate equitable access to quality healthcare for all.
Leading Ethiopia’s delegation, Minister of Finance Mr. Ahmed Shide outlined the country’s strategic vision to strengthen its health sector through reform-driven and sustainable investment. He noted that Ethiopia has achieved significant progress in expanding primary healthcare coverage, yet faces growing pressure on national resources due to global economic disruptions and a sharp decline in external support.
Ahmed presented a four-pillar strategy to transform Ethiopia’s health system, centered on expanding community-based health insurance, positioning Ethiopia as a regional leader in health security, improving health spending efficiency by 20 percent over the next three years, and enhancing private sector engagement in health service delivery.
He further highlighted Ethiopia’s expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and its potential to benefit from export opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ethiopia was also announced among the eight countries selected for the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program. The Minister indicated that Ethiopia is finalizing a National Health Compact to be presented at the UHC Forum in Tokyo this December, signaling a new phase in the country’s efforts to strengthen sustainable and inclusive healthcare systems.