Health & Nutrition Programs
Improving access to quality healthcare services and promoting better health outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Program Overview
HEAL Ethiopia's Health and Nutrition programs aim to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities by increasing access to quality healthcare services, promoting preventive health practices, and addressing the underlying determinants of health.
Our integrated approach combines facility-based interventions with community-based activities, recognizing that sustainable health improvements require both strengthened health systems and empowered communities. We work closely with government health departments, local health facilities, and community structures to ensure coordination and sustainability.
Over the past two decades, our health programs have reached over 300,000 people across multiple regions of Ethiopia, contributing to improved maternal and child health outcomes, reduced disease burden, and enhanced community health practices.
Our Focus Areas
We implement comprehensive health interventions that address priority health challenges facing Ethiopian communities.
Maternal & Child Health
We work to improve maternal and child health outcomes through antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, immunization, and integrated management of childhood illnesses.
- Training of healthcare workers and traditional birth attendants
- Community mobilization for maternal health services
- Support for health facilities with equipment and supplies
Nutrition & Food Security
We address malnutrition through integrated nutrition interventions that combine direct nutrition services with food security and livelihood support.
- Growth monitoring and promotion for children
- Nutrition education and cooking demonstrations
- Support for home gardens and dietary diversity
Community Health Systems
We strengthen community health systems through training and support for community health workers, health committees, and community-based organizations.
- Training and equipping community health workers
- Establishing and strengthening health committees
- Community-based health monitoring systems
Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
We integrate mental health and psychosocial support into our health programs, recognizing the importance of mental wellbeing for overall health.
- Mental health awareness and education
- Training for health workers on mental health
- Support groups for vulnerable populations
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
We implement WASH interventions as an essential component of our health programs, recognizing the critical link between water, sanitation, hygiene, and health outcomes.
- Clean water access through wells and springs
- Sanitation facilities and hygiene promotion
- WASH in schools and health facilities
Success Story
See how our health programs are making a difference in Ethiopian communities.
Transforming Maternal Health in Oromia Region
In the rural communities of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, maternal mortality was a significant challenge due to limited access to skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care. Traditional practices often prevented women from seeking facility-based care, and health facilities lacked essential equipment and trained staff.
HEAL Ethiopia implemented a comprehensive maternal health program that combined facility strengthening with community mobilization. We trained healthcare workers, equipped health centers with essential supplies, established a referral system for complications, and engaged community leaders and traditional birth attendants as advocates for safe motherhood.
Within three years, skilled birth attendance increased from 26% to 68%, and maternal deaths decreased by 60% in the target communities. The program has been recognized as a model approach by the Regional Health Bureau and is being scaled to additional districts.
Our Impact in Numbers
Over the past five years, our health programs have achieved significant results across Ethiopia.
85%
Increase in skilled birth attendance in target communities
120K
Children under five reached with nutrition interventions
1,500+
Community health workers trained and supported
75%
Reduction in waterborne diseases in WASH program areas
Related Resources
Explore our publications, reports, and other resources related to health and nutrition.
