Ethiopia’s new Essential Health Service Continuity During Public Health Emergencies Guideline marked an important milestone toward endorsement, as key government leaders and development partners met in Bishoftu to review and provide final technical input.
The guideline, whose development has been supported by Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) in partnership with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), provides practical guidance to help health authorities and facilities plan to prevent disruptions and maintain essential services during public health emergencies, protecting access to critical care when it is needed most.
Participants at the validation meeting included EPHI Director General Dr. Mesay Hailu, Deputy Director General Dr. Melkamu Abte, EPHI directors, and Ministry of Health leadership.
Dr. Mesay Hailu underscored the importance of planning for service continuity before emergencies occur: “Public health emergencies should not disrupt the essential health services that communities depend on every day. Strengthening preparedness is therefore critical to ensuring that our health system can continue to protect communities and maintain the delivery of essential healthcare services.”
RTSL remains committed to supporting EPHI and the Ministry of Health through the finalization, endorsement, and implementation of the guideline, contributing to efforts to strengthen health security in Ethiopia and ensure essential services can continue during emergencies.
Once adopted, the guideline will support health authorities and facilities to better plan for and manage disruptions, helping ensure essential health services remain available during public health emergencies.
