Minister Richmond announces funding for maternal and child health, and to tackle gender-based violence in Ethiopia

Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD has announced new funding for maternal, neonatal and child health, and to tackle gender-based violence in Ethiopia.

Minister Richmond met with Ethiopia's Minister for Health, Dr Mekdes Daba, to discuss Ireland's long-term commitment to Ethiopia's health system and to announce increased funding for improved healthcare for mothers, newborns and young children.

A total of €5 million will be provided for maternal and newborn health in 2026, an increase of €1 million on funding provided in 2025. This funding complements investments made by the Government of Ethiopia and major donors including the Beginnings Fund and represents Ireland's deep commitment to reducing preventable maternal death.

The funding will contribute to the delivery of Ethiopia's Health Sector Transformation Plan and will be aimed specifically at reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health programmes throughout the country.

Minister Richmond said:

Ireland has a long-standing commitment to healthcare in Ethiopia and I am proud that this funding will help to further reduce risks to pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children.

Ethiopia has made huge progress in improving maternal and child mortality rates. The fact that more mothers and babies are alive today is evidence of the impact of development assistance. Maternal and child mortality rates are falling and we need to do what we can to continue that progress.

This funding from Irish Aid will strengthen efforts to further improve healthcare across Ethiopia, reducing risks and improving outcomes for women and children. At a time when other donors are stepping back, Ireland is stepping up and doing what it can to support the people in the world who have been left furthest behind.

Minister Richmond also inaugurated a clinic and counselling rooms, at a Safe House in Addis Ababa, where he met with survivors of gender-based violence and announced increased funding from Ireland.

A total of €2 million will be invested in preventing and responding to gender-based violence throughout Ethiopia, particularly in areas affected by conflict. This funding will provide integrated response services at health centres for survivors of gender-based violence, including mental health and psychosocial support, livelihood recovery, and will support an increased focus on prevention. Today's announcement reflects Ireland's long-standing commitment to gender equality.

The funding will complement investment by the Ethiopian Government in line with its forthcoming Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy.

Minister Richmond said:

Ireland remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting and protecting the most vulnerable, particularly victims of gender based violence. The new clinic and counselling rooms, funded by Ireland, provide a much-needed safe space for survivors, some of whom I met today. The additional €2million in Irish Aid funding will be focused on preventing and responding to gender based violence across Ethiopia, and further strengthening Ireland's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Minister Richmond is in Ethiopia to visit communities and partners supported by the work of Irish Aid. In addition to meeting with Minister for Health, Dr Daba, he will meet with Ethiopia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera, and visit health centres supported by Irish Aid.

On Thursday, he will travel to Uganda to visit programmes providing educational and other supports.

ENDS

18 February 2026

• Ireland will contribute €4 million in funding for health system strengthening, including measures to improve the number of skilled birth attendants in Ethiopia.
• An additional amount of €1 million will be provided earmarked for the procurement of essential commodities needed for the provision of ante-natal care, safe child-birth, newborn care, and, post-natal family planning.
• Both contributions will be programmed via Ethiopia's SDG-Pooled Fund, a trust fund which administers funding for the health sector from Ireland and others including Japan, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, the Gates Foundation, the Beginnings Fund, and the World Bank.