Late model Keneni Adugna new photo and artis Andualem

Late model Keneni Adugna new photo and artis Andualem Gosa trial.

In Ethiopia, it is reported that only 37% of births are registered among children born in the country, while only 16% of deaths are recorded. To address this, a project aimed at improving the collection of comprehensive health data for citizens, including birth, death, and other demographic information, has been launched.

The project is expected to fill this gap by identifying public health risks, conducting investigative studies, and analyzing data to identify current health threats. The project, known as #Impact_HDSS_Ethiopia, collects data on births, deaths, and causes of death in Ethiopia, ensuring that health policies are based on verified information. This initiative is supported by the international organization Vital Strategies, which works on public health in Ethiopia.

The project will be conducted in 13 health and demographic surveillance sites across the country, each linked to local universities, covering over two million people from various segments of society. The study will provide deep insights into the health status of citizens and is considered crucial for monitoring health and demographic data nationwide.

The data collected from these sites will be integrated with the national civil registration system, providing high-quality information on births, deaths, and causes of death, which will support health research, studies, and policy decisions.

Dr. Asnake Worku, the project coordinator and senior researcher at the National Information Management Center, stated that the project will help Ethiopia fill gaps in demographic data by improving the collection and processing of health information.

Mary Ann Etiebet, President and CEO of Vital Strategies, emphasized that comprehensive and sustainable public health systems are built on strong civil registration and statistical systems. She expressed satisfaction with supporting the project, which aims to strengthen Ethiopia's health information system and improve community health.

Globally, it is reported that over 100 countries lack fully functional civil registration and critical statistical systems. In Ethiopia, the registration of births, deaths, and causes of death remains below expectations. Over 2.5 million children in the country are unregistered, and more than 650,000 deaths occur without their causes being known or recorded, according to data from the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service.

The project, funded by the Gates Foundation, is being implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, the National Information Management Center, and other institutions, and is expected to run for three years.

— Mercy Siyoum