Semera, Afar | April 2025 – A major step toward advancing reproductive health and maternal care in Ethiopia’s underserved regions was taken with the official launch of the 2gether 4SRHR project in the Afar Region. Jointly implemented by UNFPA, UNICEF, UNAIDS, and WHO, and funded by SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), the initiative focuses on improving access to quality, integrated sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services through the strengthening of maternity waiting homes.

The launch event in Semera brought together regional government representatives, health professionals, development partners, and community leaders, all committed to improving maternal health outcomes and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.

“This project is a unique opportunity to bring life-saving services closer to women and girls in Afar—and ensure that no woman dies while giving life,” said Mr. Koffi Kouame, UNFPA Representative to Ethiopia. “Ending preventable maternal deaths by 2030 is one of the transformative results UNFPA pursues in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Maternity waiting homes—residential facilities located near health centres—play a vital role in ensuring pregnant women have access to skilled birth attendants and emergency care. Through this project, these homes will be upgraded, frontline health workers will be supported, and local communities will be actively engaged to increase awareness and service uptake.

The 2gether 4SRHR project will also promote behavior change around maternal health and reproductive rights, foster stronger community participation—particularly from women and youth—and build lasting partnerships between government bodies, health facilities, and UN agencies. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to make quality maternal health care a reality for all, especially in crisis-affected and hard-to-reach areas of Ethiopia.