USAID Deputy Mission Director Eleanor TanPiengco and Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba inaugurated the USAID Lowlands Health Activity, a five-year, $35 million initiative aimed at improving health and nutrition outcomes for mothers and children in the pastoral regions of Ethiopia. This project, to be implemented by EngenderHealth Inc., along with a consortium of international and local partners, will span 35 districts across the Somali, Afar, Southern Ethiopia, and Oromia regions.

Since 2017, USAID has supported maternal and child health in pastoralist regions through the Transform Health in Developing Regions project, which has advanced key health indicators, such as skilled birth attendance and immunization coverage. The Lowlands Health Activity will offer services to marginalized populations such as primary healthcare, access to quality services, the adoption of healthy behaviors, and health facilities that provide essential reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and nutrition services. The project directly supports the achievements of USAID’s and Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation goal, aimed to prevent maternal and child morbidity and mortality.