UNOPS Redoubles Efforts In Rehabilitating Post-conflict Ethiopia

-over 367,000 benefited in Tigray

The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) strengthens its commitments to rebuild conflict affected communities across Ethiopia.

During his visit last week, Jorge Moreira da Silva, UN undersecretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director, stressed on the wide range of reconstruction works UNOPS is providing and its plans to redouble its initiatives. The UNOPS Executive Director also met with top Ethiopian officials including president Taye AtskeSelassie, ministers of Finance and Agriculture, among others. He also met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

“For over 15 years, we have offered solutions to strengthen national capacity and capability to deliver quality services in Ethiopia, drawing on our expertise in sustainable procurement, project management and infrastructure,” said da Silva. “Over the years, with our partners, we have helped strengthen health and education systems. We have rehabilitated hospitals and schools, improved water and sanitation systems. We have supported climate-resilient infrastructure and enabled access to essential services in conflict-affected areas, responding to Ethiopia’s evolving needs and development priorities.”

Particularly in parts of Ethiopia where conflict has devastated socioeconomic fabric and infrastructures, UNOPS projects are playing crucial recovery roles.

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“In Tigray, where the conflict has had a devastating impact on millions of people and left communities without access to basic services, my colleagues are working hard to rebuild lives,” said da Silva.

UNOPS, along its partners, have rehabilitated and reconstructed 42 schools and 34 health facilities, and hundreds of water pumps and sanitation facilities. Two weeks ago, the newly rehabilitated health center and primary school in Asgede Woreda of Tigray was handed over to local authorities. UNOPS is implementing these efforts in partnership with the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance, financed by the World Bank and working with our regional and local partners.

“The results of our work in Tigray will leave a tangible impact on the communities’ lives,” added the executive director.

Over 367,000 people have benefited from these improvements, including nearly 190,000 women and nearly 39,000 internally displaced people.

UNOPS is also working with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health to strengthen systems and enhance healthcare services; including by procuring and delivering vital equipment and supplies, enhancing blood storage capacity, as well as capacity for vaccine research and development, among others.

UNOPS and MoH signed a USD13.5 million project financed by the World Bank to procure and install Oxygen Supply Systems UNOPS and the Ministry of Health have formalized a USD13.5 million partnership financed by the World Bank for the procurement and installation of oxygen plants in hospitals throughout Ethiopia. This project will enhance healthcare delivery, improve emergency preparedness, and provide economic benefits, ensuring that medical facilities can offer consistent and high-quality care to patients.

“As UNOPS, we reaffirm our commitment to Ethiopia and its people. We stand ready to scale our support in line with the national development agenda, and to continue working with our partners to deliver sustainable solutions that leave no one behind,” da Silva underscored.