Beyond the Health Extension Program: Developing a focused approach to improve nutrition in Ethiopia

By Taddese Zerfu

September 11, 2024

The Ethiopian Health Extension Program (HEP) has long been a cornerstone of the country's public health strategy, especially in rural and underserved areas. Launched with high hopes in 2003, the HEP aimed to advance health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and provide essential health services to communities with limited access.

From its early years, the HEP demonstrated significant promise. Focusing on health education and preventive measures, its efforts in promoting hygiene, maternal and child health, and disease prevention have been pivotal in advancing public health across Ethiopia. A key strength of the program is its deployment of community health workers (CHWs), who deliver services directly within communities, making health care more accessible, especially in remote and underserved areas.