Ethiopia’s preventive health vision extends from urban design to professional leadership, PM Abiy says

Addis Ababa, June 23, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stressed that Ethiopia’s health strategy extends beyond clinical settings to include urban development and fostering professional leadership as integral elements of preventive health.

During recent discussions with health experts, he highlighted that corridor development projects—such as riverside cleanups, pedestrian pathways, and sports facilities—are purposefully designed to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce disease incidence.

These urban projects transform areas previously prone to illness into active, vibrant public spaces that encourage physical activity and wellbeing, reinforcing the government’s preventive health agenda.

The Prime Minister emphasized that infrastructure improvements alone are insufficient without a parallel transformation in the professional culture of health workers and administrators. He called for greater accountability, integrity, and a citizen-focused mindset at every level of health service delivery.

Leadership reform and professional development are essential to fostering a results-driven health sector, with all professionals—from hospital directors to frontline staff—expected to demonstrate ethical conduct and commitment to the public good.

The quality of interaction between health workers and the public is a critical factor in building trust in government institutions, making ethical service delivery essential to sustaining progress.

Prime Minister Abiy underlined ongoing efforts to strengthen health institutions comprehensively, supported by increased budgetary allocations and policy reforms aimed at enhancing both preventive and curative services.

He also called for collective responsibility among health professionals to ensure the sector’s transformation aligns with Ethiopia’s broader development goals, highlighting the interconnectedness of environment, behavior, governance, and health outcomes.

This holistic approach reflects the government’s vision for a healthier, more resilient Ethiopia built on clean environments, active lifestyles, and exemplary professional leadership.