Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has announced new funding to support maternal, neonatal and child health, as well as initiatives to tackle gender-based violence in Ethiopia. During his visit, Minister Richmond met with Ethiopia’s Minister for Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, to reaffirm Ireland’s long-term commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s health system and to unveil increased financial support aimed at improving outcomes for mothers, newborns, and young children.
In 2026, Ireland will provide a total of €5 million for maternal and newborn health, representing a €1 million increase from 2025. This funding complements contributions from the Ethiopian Government and other major donors such as the Beginnings Fund, reflecting Ireland’s sustained commitment to reducing preventable maternal deaths. The support will contribute to the implementation of Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation Plan, targeting reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health programmes nationwide.
Minister Richmond emphasized the importance of continuing progress in maternal and child health, noting that Ireland’s investment will help further reduce risks to pregnant women, mothers, babies, and children. He highlighted that while other donors may be scaling back, Ireland is increasing its efforts to support those most in need.
During his visit, Minister Richmond also inaugurated a clinic and counselling rooms at a Safe House in Addis Ababa, engaging with survivors of gender-based violence. Ireland will invest €2 million in 2026 to prevent and respond to gender-based violence across Ethiopia, with a focus on conflict-affected areas. The funding will support integrated services at health centres, including mental health and psychosocial support, livelihood recovery, and prevention initiatives, complementing the Ethiopian Government’s forthcoming Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy.
Minister Richmond underlined Ireland’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly survivors of gender-based violence, and noted that the new facilities and additional funding will provide essential safe spaces and strengthen support services. His visit also included meetings with Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera, and visits to health centres supported by Irish Aid, demonstrating Ireland’s ongoing engagement in health and community development initiatives.
In addition to the €5 million for maternal and child health, Ireland will contribute €4 million for health system strengthening, including measures to increase the number of skilled birth attendants, and an extra €1 million for essential commodities required for antenatal care, safe childbirth, newborn care, and postnatal family planning. These contributions will be channelled through Ethiopia’s SDG-Pooled Fund, alongside funding from other international donors including Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the Gates Foundation, the Beginnings Fund, and the World Bank, ensuring coordinated support for Ethiopia’s health sector.
