On 19 December 2023 the Ministry of Health and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) hosted a multi-stakeholder workshop supported by PMNCH to disseminate the action plan on accelerating the country’s commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. Ethiopia previously announced it commitment to ensuring the ‘three zeros’; - zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal mortality, and zero Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and harmful practices. In 2023 the Ministry of Health commissioned a review of its progress in implementing the commitment, resulting in the action plan to accelerate progress. More than 40 Participants from government, civil society, private sector, research and academic, health associations and donor constituencies participated in this workshop to disseminate the action plan.Introductory remarks by CHAI Country Director, Dr Rahel Belete, Consortium of Reproductive Health Association (CORHA) Executive Director, Abebe Kebede and UNFPA Deputy Country Representative, Dr Aweke Tasew all acknowledged progress made towards ICPD targets while also highlighting the importance of accelerating progress through collaborative engagement. They pledged the commitment of their respective organizations to such collaboration alongside the Ministry of Health to make reproductive health and rights a reality for all.During the meeting, Sue Mbaya, PMNCH Senior Consultant on the Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan (CAAP) process made a presentation on the PMNCH advocacy approach to strengthen accountability for WCAH commitments and how CAAP process is envisaged to be implemented in Ethiopia. She highlighted the emphasis on collaborative efforts by partners in Ethiopia, increasing the visibility of commitment and generating evidence on accountability. Sue Mbaya highlighted the role of CHAI as the coordinating partner for the CAAP process in Ethiopia, as agreed with the Ministry of Health.The Ministry of Health was represented by several representatives, under the leadership of Honorable Dr Meseret Zelalem, Lead Executive Officer for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent. In her keynote address, Dr Meseret highlighted Ethiopia's significant progress in sexual and reproductive health indicators, including the decline in maternal deaths, increased institutional deliveries, combatting child marriage, reducing adolescent birth rates, and addressing gender-based violence. She noted achievements such as the decline in HIV infections, increased access to abortion services, progress in contraceptive prevalence, and improved sexual and reproductive health services.Dr Meseret’s presentation also addressed post-Nairobi Summit Initiatives (2019 Onwards). In addition to developing numerous policies, strategies, and guidelines, aligning with the country's commitment to the ICPD, Ethiopia also renewed and launched its FP 2030 commitment with four key commitments: Increase FP Financing: Earmarking funds from the treasury and SDG pool.
Improve Contraceptive Commodity Security: Increase "no stockout" status of three modern contraceptives.
Access to Adolescent and Youth Contraceptive Use: Reducing teenage pregnancy rates.
Availability of Quality FP Information and Services: Decreasing unmet need for family planning.
Despite these successes, challenges such as maternal mortality, early marriage, family planning disparities, and regional variations persist. She positioned the dissemination workshop as an opportunity for meaningful discussions, insights sharing, and renewed commitment to the common goal of advancing sexual and reproductive health and achievements of the ICPD commitments in Ethiopia.Following the keynote address, Dr Meseret presented the action plan (included in the same presentation) for accelerating progress towards the ICPD commitment targets, The action plan highlighted progress and gaps, culminating in a call to action in relation to the "three zero" commitments. She painted the backdrop of Ethiopia’s traditional support of and commitment to the ICPD since 1994. Dr Meseret highlighted the country’s progress across key indicators. Notable achievements include the enactment of policies and laws, a significant decline in preventable maternal deaths (40%), a 25% increase in contraceptive prevalence rate, and greater engagement of women in the public sphere at all levels. In response, participants offered comments on a comprehensive and collaborative approach to achieve the ICPD commitments to address a wide range of issues from financing and engagement to tailored strategies and accountability.In the closing remarks, Dr. Meseret highlighted the collective recommitment of MOH and its partners to prioritize the call to action, demonstrating a shared dedication to achieving both the International ICPD SDG. She underscored the pivotal role of multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing challenges related to sexual and reproductive health, specifically emphasizing the importance of tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), child marriage, and health system strengthening to fulfill the ICPD commitments.Dr. Meseret reiterated the Ministry’s gratitude to its hosting partners, CHAI and PMNCH and outlined the concrete next steps to be taken collectively by the Ministry of Health and its partners in pursuit of accelerating progress on the ICPD commitments, including disseminating the action plan and securing broad-based support for its implementation.