Hawassa: Ethiopia and Italy have entered into a 4.1 million Euros agreement aimed at bolstering healthcare services in Shire and Gondar hospitals, thereby reaffirming their longstanding partnership focused on resilience, recovery, and development in the region.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the agreement was signed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and the Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese. The initiative targets the enhancement of healthcare services in the Shire and Gondar Hospitals, located in the Tigray and Amhara regions, respectively.
During the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide highlighted that the 4.1 million Euros investment is set to restore essential healthcare services for over 15 million people. He emphasized that the project represents Ethiopia’s dedication to establishing an inclusive and resilient health system accessible to all.
Ahmed Shide acknowledged Italy’s role as a steadfast ally over the years, with cooperation extending across multiple sectors including agriculture, culture, renewable energy, and education. The agreement is part of the broader Ethio-Italian Cooperation Framework, which encompasses 250 million Euros, comprising 210 million Euros in soft loans and 40 million Euros in grants. This framework aims to improve access to essential services, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.
Additionally, Ethiopia is collaborating with Italy and partners like UNIDO to enhance climate resilience in the agricultural sector, particularly in coffee production, which is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Ahmed Shide stated that ongoing engagements with Italy’s Climate Fund aim to ensure coffee remains a sustainable livelihood source for millions of Ethiopians.
Furthermore, Italy’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese, praised the robust partnership between the two nations, reiterating Italy’s commitment to the successful implementation of the healthcare project.