ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia | July 28, 2026: MERQ Consultancy proudly contributed to the national dissemination of Ethiopia’s National Reproductive Health (RH) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, providing technical support in developing and presenting the strategy’s dissemination package during a high-level national workshop convened by the Ministry of Health.
The national dissemination brought together senior government officials, development partners, regional health leaders, implementing partners, civil society, and technical experts to introduce the country’s fourth National Reproductive Health Strategy along with four other key reproductive health policy and strategic documents covering reproductive health, adolescent and youth health, digital innovations, sexual and reproductive health advocacy, and related priority areas. The strategic documents set Ethiopia’s priorities for improving sexual and reproductive health over the next five years.
H.E Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, addressing participants of the workshop
H.E Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts that made the development of the five policy documents and the successful dissemination workshop possible. He also called for continued support from all partners involved in the development of the strategic documents, including MERQ Consultancy, to sustain the momentum and ensure effective implementation. Dr Dereje asserted his government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the five strategic agendas, with the ultimate goal of realizing Ethiopia’s demographic dividend.
H.E. Dr. Hagos Godefay, representing AUDA-NEPAD, on his part reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting integrated primary healthcare across Africa, which closely aligns with MERQ’s focus on strengthening primary healthcare systems.
He also stressed the need to align similar strategic initiatives to African continental frameworks including the Maputo Plan of Action 2016-2030, Africa Health Strategy 2016-2030, and the AU Agenda 2063.
H.E Dr. Hagos Godefay, representative of the AUDA NEPAD, addressing participants of the workshop
On behalf of MERQ Consultancy, Dr. Mulugeta Dile presented the National Reproductive Health Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining the strategy’s evidence base, strategic vision, implementation priorities, financing framework, and accountability mechanisms. The presentation emphasized that the new strategy builds on Ethiopia’s significant reproductive health gains while addressing persistent inequities, service quality gaps, and emerging public health challenges through an equity-focused and resilient health systems approach.
Dr. Mulugeta Dile, Senior RH and Mixed-Method Researcher and Technical Lead for this project, presenting the reproductive health strategy developed by MERQ Consultancy
“Reproductive health is not just a health issue,” said Dr Mulugeta adding “It is a foundational pillar central to Ethiopia’s holistic national development and economic progress.”
The strategy articulates an ambitious national vision of ensuring that every individual enjoys equitable access to comprehensive, high-quality sexual and reproductive health services throughout the life course. It establishes measurable national targets for 2030, including reducing the maternal mortality ratio to 70 or fewer deaths per 100,000 live births, lowering neonatal mortality to 12 or fewer deaths per 1,000 live births, and increasing the modern contraceptive prevalence rate to 50 percent.
The presentation further highlighted the strategy’s seven strategic directions, which prioritize adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, accelerated reductions in maternal and newborn mortality, expanded access to family planning and fertility care, integrated management of priority sexual and reproductive health conditions, equitable service delivery for vulnerable populations, strengthened health systems, and enhanced private sector engagement. Collectively, these priorities are designed to advance Universal Health Coverage while ensuring that no one is left behind.
Participants engaged in productive discussions following a series of technical presentations, reflecting on implementation priorities, partnership opportunities, sustainable financing, and coordinated action needed to translate the new policy commitments into improved health outcomes across the country.
The Reproductive Health Strategy 2026-2030 estimates a five-year investment requirement of approximately USD 2.30 billion, underscoring the importance of sustained domestic financing, coordinated partner support, and innovative resource mobilization to achieve its ambitious goals.
MERQ Consultancy provided comprehensive technical support to the Ministry of Health throughout the development of the National Reproductive Health Strategy 2026-2030. Its team conducted a comprehensive situational analysis of the reproductive health landscape, reviewed national and global priorities, drafted the strategy, and synthesized technical inputs from diverse stakeholders.
MERQ also supported the Ministry of Health and the Consortium of Reproductive Health Associations (CORHA) in facilitating a series of consultative workshops, culminating in the refinement and finalization of a strategic, evidence-based roadmap to advance reproductive health outcomes in Ethiopia.
As a trusted research, policy, and implementation partner, MERQ Consultancy is honored to have supported the Ministry of Health in this important national milestone. The Consultancy sincerely acknowledges the Ministry of Health and CORHA for the trust and confidence they placed in its technical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality professional services throughout the strategy development process. MERQ reaffirms its commitment to contributing its share in strengthening Ethiopia’s reproductive health system, improving equitable access to quality services, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.
