Empowering Health Sovereignty: National Advocacy Workshop Marks Global Self-Care Month in Ethiopia
On July 21, 2026, the Dire International Hotel in Adama became the epicenter of a pivotal conversation regarding the future of self-care in Ethiopia. As part of a nationwide commemoration of International Self-Care Month, the Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) , ESOG and other key strategic partners, hosted a high-level advocacy workshop under the powerful theme: “Self-Care puts your health in your hands: Test, Track, and Thrive.”
To tackle a significant change in Ethiopian healthcare, a move towards a decentralized, patient-focused strategy for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAYH-N) was discussed at a workshop attended by a notable group of healthcare experts, lawmakers, scholars, and on-the-ground workers.
The event commenced with MC Mr. Wubeshet, a Public Relations representative from the Ministry of Health, who prepared the audience for a day centered on advocacy grounded in evidence. The opening remarks were given by Sr. Zemzem Mohammed, Head of the National Maternal Health Desk at the Ministry of Health, who highlighted that the “Test, Track, and Thrive” motto transcends mere words—it serves as a framework for achieving universal health coverage.
Dr. Rahel Demissew, who leads the SRH program at PSI/Ethiopia, delivered an engaging keynote speech, emphasizing how self-care methods enable people to have control over their own diagnosis and monitoring procedures.
Next, Dr. Ethiopia Kumlachew, the Medical Director of the OB/GYN department at Ethiotebeb General Hospital and the main researcher for the self-care initiative at ESOG, highlighted the safety and effectiveness of self-care resources within the country’s healthcare system when appropriately incorporated.
Adding institutional weight to the proceedings, Dr. Haimanot Ambelu, FRH Unit Lead at WHO Ethiopia, articulated the global consensus that self-care is a crucial component of modern health security.
After the plenary sessions, the workshop shifted from theoretical support to practical implementation. Attendees joined a guided field trip organized by PSI to observe nearby healthcare centers testing self-care programs.
Upon returning to the Dire International Hotel, the afternoon session focused on the critical assessment of the National RMNCAYH-N self-care implementation. Sr. Zemzem Mohammed presented a comprehensive update on the progress achieved thus far.
The progress report was marked by both pride and transparency. While acknowledging the significant strides in increasing diagnostic coverage, Sr. Zemzem did not shy away from the challenges that persist, including the need for more robust regulatory frameworks, sustained supply chain stability, and the urgent necessity to combat misinformation regarding self-diagnostic tools.
A delegate from the Kolfe Health Center in Addis Ababa then presented a specific case study, illustrating how the implementation was carried out at the facility. This display exemplified the broader national initiative, highlighting how patients’ trust significantly increases as they become acquainted with the resources needed to independently manage their personal health issues.
A core highlight of the workshop was the panel discussion moderated by Dr. Haimanot Ambelu. The panel comprised representatives from the Ministry of Health, , the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), PSI and the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG).
The discussion served as a deep dive into the “Self-Care Ecosystem.” Key takeaways included:
• Regulatory Alignment: EFDA representatives emphasized the need for streamlined, rigorous, yet accessible certification processes for self-care products to ensure they reach the last mile without compromising safety.
• Medical Professionalism: ESOG emphasized that self-care is not a replacement for clinical care but a powerful adjunct that allows OB/GYNs to focus their expertise on complex cases while routine screenings are managed effectively by the patients themselves.
• Resource Allocation: PSI highlighted the need for sustainable financing for commodities, ensuring that the “Thrive” aspect of the theme is backed by accessible and affordable diagnostic tools.
The workshop purposefully centered the human experience with a testimonial from a client at the Adama Health Center. Hearing from a woman who had used self-care tools to manage her reproductive health provided the gathered professionals with a sobering and empowering reminder of why the policy work matters.
The feedback from the customer conveyed a message often overlooked in important policy gatherings: that for many individuals, taking care of oneself is equal to respect. She expressed, “Being aware of my condition in the comfort of my home changed how I view my well-being.” This deeply affected those present, connecting the dots between medical information and the real-life experiences of the people in Ethiopia.
The last part of the training session was set aside for contemplation and the formal declaration of promises. Attendees had a lively conversation, detailing specific organizational commitments to promote the self-care initiative. Pledges varied from schemes to enhance training for healthcare workers to incorporating digital health monitoring applications into current electronic health record systems.
The workshop ended with a revitalized feeling of determination. While Ethiopia faces challenges in its healthcare system, the main idea of the day was evident: the upcoming health landscape in Ethiopia will be driven by self-empowerment, data, and will be controlled by the public.