Addis ababa: Ethiopia has made remarkable progress over two decades, registering substantial reduction in maternal and child mortality rates–lives saving rather than mere statistical improvements, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba stressed. The International Conference on Primary Health Care (ICPHC) 2025 commenced today in Addis Ababa, drawing global health leaders to tackle the pressing need for resilient, people-centered primary healthcare systems across low- and middle-income countries. The five-day conference is co-hosted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the International Institute for Primary Health Care.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopian Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba emphasized the national ownership and sustainability in healthcare delivery. She presented Ethiopia’s remarkable progress over two decades, citing the substantial reduction in maternal and child mortality rates, framing these achievements as lives saving and families strengthened rather than mere statistical improvements. The Minister attributed these gains to Ethiopia’s robust community-led approach, highlighting massive national investments including the construction of over 70,000 community hospitals and implementation of community-based health insurance system, by now covering 80 percent of the population.
Dr. Mekdes stressed the imperative to reduce dependence on external aid, advocating for sustainable financing mechanisms, strengthened local institutions, as well as enhanced national ownership. The government is currently implementing comprehensive health sector reforms built on these foundational principles, she said. The Minister outlined key priorities driving the Ministry’s reform agenda across healthcare financing, private sector engagement, workforce development, digitalization, and local manufacturing capabilities.
Professor Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised Ethiopia’s primary healthcare commitment, describing the nation as a “global knowledge hub” and exemplar of community-led innovation. He announced that Ethiopia recently achieved Maturity Level 3 in WHO’s global healthcare classification system, joining only nine African countries to reach this milestone. This designation recognizes Ethiopia’s integrated system capable of authorizing medical products and conducting comprehensive market surveillance.
Dr. Abnet Zeleke, Executive Director of the International Institute for Primary Health Care Ethiopia, emphasized the conference’s action-oriented approach. “Building on the legacy of ICPHC 2023, this year we move decisively from vision to action,” he stated. “This year’s theme is advancing primary healthcare in the 21st century, putting people first,” he said. He described primary healthcare not as abstract policy but as “a proven foundation for effective and equitable access,” citing community health workers who often serve as the first and sometimes only point of contact within health systems.
The ICPHC 2025 aims to develop actionable strategies, resilient primary healthcare models, and equitable solutions to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage across low- and middle-income countries. The conference underscored the global recognition that without strong primary healthcare foundations, neither universal health coverage nor health security can be effectively achieved.