Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has launched a new health project in Southwest Ethiopia Region, Ethiopia, marking the beginning of a stable presence in the area. The project started in 2025 following assessments that identified unmet medical needs in a region that is home to more than three million people, and highly susceptible to recurrent outbreaks of malaria, measles, cholera, and other infectious diseases.
This new project aims to establish an agile response capacity in a region with remote communities who are particularly vulnerable during recurrent outbreaks and health emergencies. We also aim to strengthen the capacity of the local health system to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks, while improving access to higher quality, free healthcare.
MSF currently supports Jemu and Aday Ababa health centres and Bachuma Primary hospital, with a focus on strengthening referral capacity, emergency preparedness, infection prevention and control measures, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Activities are implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the local health authorities, reinforcing coordination and long-term health system resilience.
Key work includes the establishment of an infection prevention and control committee with regular coordination meetings, and the provision of hygiene materials, personal protective equipment, and waste management supplies.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
We are also making major improvements to water systems through infrastructure rehabilitation and installation of solar-powered water supply systems. At Bachuma Primary hospital, MSF has established a six-bed isolation ward to enable the rapid and safe management of suspected infectious disease cases.
Emergency and specialist care have also been strengthened through donations of essential medicines, medical supplies, and biomedical equipment. These efforts are complemented by training for Ministry of Health staff, support to routine health data collection, and community-level hygiene promotion and engagement activities.
"Through this new project, MSF is building a stable presence in the Southwest Ethiopia Region to support communities that face repeated health emergencies and limited access to care," says Sayeed Aleem, MSF emergency coordinator in Ethiopia. "By working alongside local authorities and health staff, we aim to strengthen outbreak preparedness, improve infection prevention, and reinforce essential health services for communities."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Overall, MSF's support is contributing to improved outbreak preparedness, stronger infection prevention systems, and more resilient health services across the facilities where we are working in Southwest Ethiopia Region.
