Addis Ababa is selected as one of the six successful cities globally narrowing the gap between the poor and rich urban children

Monday 13 July 2015

Save the Children in Ethiopia launched the State of World’s Mothers Report 2015 in Addis Ababa on 08 July 2015. Save the Children analyzed household survey data for the past 20 years and identified that cities in developing countries including Addis Ababa, Cairo, Guatemala, Kampala, Manila, and Phnom Penh made real progress in saving children’s lives despite significant urban growth. The report showed that the six cities achieved success by providing better care for mothers and babies; increasing access and use of voluntary family planning; and establishing free or subsidized health services for the poor.

John Graham, Save the Children in Ethiopia Country Director, commend Addis Ababa for making steady progress towards improving the health of its poorest citizens and look forward to supporting continued improvements.

John Graham, Country Director of Save the Children in Ethiopia, making an opening remark at the report launching event

Dr. Taye Tolera, Advisor and Head, Office of the State Minister, Ministry of Health said, “The Ethiopian Government is exerting utmost efforts in planning and delivering and customer-based and equitable services to all segments of the society; and maternal and newborn health will remain as our focus”.

Ms. Alemtsehay Paulos, Deputy Head of Addis Ababa Health Bureau, on her part stated that Addis Ababa has made progress towards improving the health of its poorest citizens by strengthening health systems to be more accessible and affordable in order to increase maternal and pediatric health service.  

Dr. Million Shibeshi, Save the Children in Ethiopia Health and Nutrition Technical Team Leader presented the summary of the report for the attendees. The guest conferred on the report and press conference is also staged for the media.

Dr. Taye Tolera, Advisor and Head, Office of the State Minister, Ministry of Health, delivering a keynote speech at the event

The event brought together more than sixty participants representing Ministry of Health and Addis Ababa Health Bureau, media agencies, international organizations, donors, research institutions, health professional associations and local organizations.