September 6, 2025 ; Mekelle, Ethiopia
An integrated assessment on the continuum of care in maternal and child health service utilization, adolescent and youth health service utilization, pre- and in-service training, and cholera assessment in Tigray, was conducted by the Tigray Regional Health Bureau in collaboration with the Tigray Health Research Institute, Mekelle, Adigrat, Raya and Aksum Universities.
The research aims to identify gaps and highlight differences in health system services before, during, and after the Tigray war. For example, the current prevalence of home delivery in Tigray was 38%.. Some of the reported reasons for the increase in home deliveries include lack of ambulances, collapse of the health system, having poor compassionate care , and limited access to transportation.
The researchers also emphasized that there are improvements following the eruption of war. However, more work is still required. They advised that all stakeholders work together in harmony to address the systematic challenges facing in the Tigray’s health system.
The Head of the Tigray Regional Health Bureau, Dr. Amanuel Haile emphasized that this assessment will be instrumental in guiding the recovery of the region’s health system. He particularly appreciated the strong collaboration between the Tigray Health Research Institute, universities, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Hayelom Kahsay, Director General of the Tigray Health Research Institute, stated that the assessment will help to identify gaps and solutions that can be incorporated into the health system and inform health policy implementation.
The research was carried out over three months and covered 32 woredas. The assessment included:
• Health Posts: 59
• Health Centers: 60
• Primary Hospitals: 12
• General Hospitals: 10
• Referral Hospitals: 2
Finally, participants of the workshop provided constructive feedback after the presentation. The researchers acknowledged the comments and noted that the audience’s input will be incorporated into the final assessment report.
