Britain keen to strengthen its health support

Addis Ababa, July 19, 2012 (WIC)- Britain expressed its keenness to strengthen its health support to Ethiopia.

Stephen O’Brien, Minister of British International Development, said that Britain remains a firm friend of Ethiopia and it’s been working with the government and civil society to ensure millions of Ethiopians have access to basic healthcare services.

On his visit to Ethiopia, the Minister said British support will help more than one million Ethiopian couples to decide when, whether and how many children to have as part of a new commitment to health services.

He also emphasized that it contributes in giving 1.3 million couples access to family planning, ensures that 300,000 babies are delivered with the help of skilled healthcare workers and more than one million women can access neonatal care.

“Last week’s London summit on family planning underscored the importance of access to contraceptive services so I am pleased to be able to confirm that Britain will help 1.3 million Ethiopian couples access these vital services,” the minister added.