Abstract:
Between 2000 and now, improvements in coverage of health services along with improvements in other
sectors have brought remarkable reduction in child mortality. Ethiopia has achieved considerable reduction
in child mortality over the past two decades. Under-five mortality and child mortality reduced from
166/1000 live births and 97/1000 live births, respectively, in 2000 to 55/1000 live births and 43/1000 live
births, respectively, in 2019. Neonatal mortality reduced from 49/1000 live births in 2000 to 33/1000 live
births in 2019. Currently, neonatal mortality contributes to 54% of under-five deaths. Malnutrition in
children under the age of five remain critical challenges in Ethiopia. In 2019, 37% of children were stunted
and 21% underweight for age; and 22% of women 15-49 with Body Mass Index less than 18.5. Malnutrition
is an underlying cause in up to 50% of under-five mortality. Maternal and child health remains one of the
major priorities of the Ethiopian health sector. Expansion and decentralization of primary healthcare
services as part of the health extension program, accelerated training of mid-level healthcare professionals,
expansion of maternity waiting homes, and training and deployment of emergency surgical officers were
among the major health sector investments for maternal and child health services.
