EU Restores Maternal and Child Health Services in Conflict-Affected Amhara

26.02.2026 EU Delegation to ETHIOPIA

EU Restores Maternal and Child Health Services in Conflict-Affected Amhara

On 24 February 2026, the European Union, together with national and regional authorities and UNICEF, inaugurated a newly constructed Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) block at Kutaber Health Centre in South Wollo, Amhara Region.

The inauguration was attended by H.E. Sofie FROM-EMMESBERGER, State Minister of Health H.E. Dereje Duguma, Deputy President of Amhara Regional State H.E. Mulunesh Dessie, and UNICEF Country Representative Aboubacar Kampo.

Rebuilding health systems where they are needed most

The new MNCH block is part of the EU-funded CARE4Health programme, a €31.5 million (ETB 5.7 billion) investment supporting the restoration of essential health services in conflict-affected areas of Afar, Amhara and Tigray, while also addressing structural health inequalities in underserved regions of Ethiopia.

In Amhara Region alone, the programme has renovated and fully equipped 35 health facilities - including 2 hospitals and 33 health centres - enabling communities to regain access to critical services such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, routine immunisation and emergency obstetric care.

At Kutaber Health Centre, the new infrastructure strengthens the capacity of health workers to provide safer deliveries, improved newborn care and expanded maternal services. It also supports outreach activities to ensure that women and children in remote or conflict-affected areas are not left behind.

From recovery to resilience

Beyond infrastructure, CARE4Health focuses on restoring systems - from medical equipment and supplies to workforce capacity and service delivery standards. The objective is not only to rebuild what was damaged, but to strengthen resilience and ensure continuity of care even in fragile contexts.

By working in partnership with federal and regional authorities and UNICEF, the European Union is supporting Ethiopia’s efforts to rebuild trust in public health services and improve outcomes for mothers and children.

Restoring health services is a cornerstone of recovery. Through CARE4Health, the EU is helping communities move from crisis response to sustainable, resilient health systems that serve those who need them most.