Ethiopia signs Sh231 million deal with UN Office for Project Services to upgrade blood storage capacity

Ms Worknesh Mekonnen, the director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan. (Photo: X/UNIS Nairobi)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Friday, February 14, 2025

Key components of the initiative include assessing, designing, procuring, installing, modifying, testing, commissioning, and handing over state-of-the-art cold room facilities.

Ethiopia's Ministry of Health has signed a $1.8 million (Sh231 million) agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to enhance the country's blood storage capacity.

The initiative aims to modernise cold storage and freezer facilities to meet international standards while ensuring a steady supply of safe blood products nationwide.

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The project will improve healthcare infrastructure by strengthening blood storage efficiency and accessibility in both urban and remote areas.

Establishing advanced storage facilities is expected to enhance Ethiopia's ability to respond to medical emergencies and patient needs.

Key components of the initiative include assessing, designing, procuring, installing, modifying, testing, commissioning, and handing over state-of-the-art cold room facilities.

These upgrades will be strategically placed to meet regional demands and improve overall healthcare service delivery.

Specialised training

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project will offer specialised training programmes to equip staff with the skills they need to operate and maintain the new storage systems.

By integrating modern technologies and best practices, the initiative reflects a commitment to innovation and sustainability in Ethiopia's healthcare sector.

"We are proud to partner with Ethiopia's Ministry of Health in this critical initiative. This project not only strengthens the country's healthcare infrastructure but also ensures that lifesaving blood products are available where they are needed most," said Ms Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan and representative to the AU.

Last July, the United States government, through USAID, donated equipment worth $100,000 (Sh12.8 million) to Ethiopia's National Blood and Tissue Bank to help set up ten blood banks across the country, continuing its long-term support for Ethiopia's healthcare system.

Recognising the need for better blood services, USAID and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief invested $5.5 million (Sh706.2 million) in 2016 to build the National Blood and Tissue Bank headquarters.

This facility now oversees 50 blood banks that supply blood to 735 health facilities across Ethiopia.

USAID remains Ethiopia's largest bilateral donor, providing nearly $200 million (Sh25.6 billion) each year to strengthen the national health system and improve healthcare services across the country.