Ethiopia and Zimbabwe Connect on Universal Health Coverage!

August 22,2025 EHIS

Ethiopia recently hosted a delegation from Zimbabwe to share its impressive experience and progress with the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) program. The Ethiopian Health Insurance Service (EHIS) highlighted key aspects of its universal health coverage journey, including achievements, challenges, financial sustainability, and future plans. Mr. Damtew Tilahun from EHIS welcomed the delegation, noting that the CBHI program was launched 14 years ago to prevent citizens from facing financial hardship due to medical costs. Consultant Mr. Abduljalil Rashad provided detailed insights, explaining that Ethiopia's 115 million-plus population is served by two main health insurance programs: Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI), which covers 80% of citizens. Social Health Insurance (SHI), which will cover the remaining 20%. The CBHI program has seen incredible growth, starting in just 13 districts in 2011 and expanding to 1,195 districts by 2025. The number of healthcare providers has also surged from 61 to 4,347! Mr. Abduljalil emphasized that CBHI is crucial for: Increasing a country's resources. Improving the efficiency of resource use, Enhancing the quality and reach of health services, Ensuring financial stability and equitable access to healthcare. The visit concluded with a productive Q&A session where the Zimbabwean delegates asked about overcoming implementation challenges, fundraising strategies, public awareness campaigns, and fund allocation.