SOM with the University of Addis Ababa is starting a programme to support occupational health of healthcare workers in rural and urban areas in Ethiopia. 160 Health and Safety officers will gain a clear understanding of occupational health risks, safety protocols, and preventive measures to protect themselves, improve service quality, and so improve the health of the population. Strategic advocacy to ensure impact across the health system will also occur as the project will collaborate with the Ministry of Health and the Oromia and Sidama Region Health Bureaus.
Dr Samson Wakuma, who is leading the project stated, “Healthcare workers are exposed to a range of occupational risks in Ethiopian workplaces. Providing training for these officers is crucial to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills in Occupational Health”.
Risks include infections, unsafe patient handling, hazardous chemicals, radiation, psychosocial hazards, physical injuries, and inadequate personal protective equipment[1]. A recent study of Ethiopian public health facilities revealed that 36.5% of healthcare workers reported exposure to occupational health hazards, with insufficient risk reduction measures and safety protocols in place[2].
It is a WHO and Ethiopian Government priority to improve the quality of healthcare service provided and the health of the population. SOM will offer technical support based on a previous project of health of health care workers in Nigeria, completed in 2025. The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust will contribute expertise gained from the UK healthcare system.
This project is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme, managed by Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), which is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for the benefit of the UK and partner country health systems.
Look out for updates as the programme progresses.
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[1] Kumie A, et al., 2016. Occupational Health and Safety in Ethiopia: A review of Situational Analysis and Needs Assessment. Ethiop J Health Dev. 2016;30(1 Spec Iss):17-27.
[2] Ayenew E, et al., 2022. Prevalence of Work-Related Health Hazard and Associated Factors among Health Workers in Public Health Institutions of Gambella Town, Western Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Survey. J Environ Public Health.