AMN Plus-August 13, 2026
Addis Ababa has made significant progress in the health sector over the past five years, achieving developments described by the Mayor’s Office as more than twice the progress recorded over the preceding 100 years.
According to a statement shared on the official social media page of the Addis Ababa Mayor’s Office, the city’s efforts to transform Addis Ababa into a health tourism hub have brought tangible improvements in healthcare infrastructure and services.
One of the key areas of focus has been the expansion and modernization of health facilities. Over the past five years, several modern healthcare facilities have been constructed and put into service, including advanced eye-care, kidney dialysis, forensic, and toxicology research and service centers.
A state-of-the-art Medical Excellence Center has also been constructed, while a new Advanced Medical Center at Ras Desta Damtew Hospital has been established to provide patients with modern and specialized medical services. These facilities have helped transform services that were previously delivered in overcrowded conditions and with outdated equipment. They are now equipped with modern technologies, enabling patients to access more convenient and up-to-date healthcare services.
The Mayor’s Office said Abebech Gobena Mothers and Children’s Hospital, Lafto Specialized Hospital, Kolfe Specialized Hospital, and Gelan Emergency Hospital are among the healthcare facilities constructed in Addis Ababa in recent years. In addition, basic expansions have been carried out at 40 health centers, while nine new health centers have been constructed and put into service.
As part of its efforts to establish Addis Ababa as a health tourism hub, the city has also supported private-sector investment in the healthcare industry. The initiative recognizes that the growing demand for healthcare services cannot be met by the government alone and has encouraged the construction of modern hospitals capable of providing advanced medical services.
Overall, these investments have enabled Addis Ababa to more than double its hospital-bed capacity compared with five years ago. The Mayor’s Office said the scale of progress achieved in the health sector during the past five years is therefore more than twice the development recorded over the previous 100 years.
The city’s health policy also places strong emphasis on prevention, not only treatment. According to the Mayor’s Office, protecting public health requires reducing pollution, expanding clean and green spaces, and creating a healthier and more livable urban environment.
Through these combined efforts, Addis Ababa is seeking to build a modern, accessible, and resilient healthcare system while strengthening its position as an emerging health tourism destination.
