Dear Ethiopian Health Professionals,
Three months ago, we rose together to demand justice for the long-standing crises and unbearable conditions in our profession. We have raised our voices against this broken healthcare system. For a month, through strikes, we have paid the priceâfacing arrests, harassment, and dismissalsâyet we have boldly begun this fight for dignity and justice.
Though immediate challenges forced us to pause the first phase of our strike, our resolve has only strengthened. The fire of our struggle still burns fiercely, and now is the time to reignite it for our survival.
Dear colleagues, as we prepare to escalate this movement, let your hearts be filled with resilience and courage. We must draw inspiration from the victories of health professionals worldwide who have triumphed through perseverance. Our struggle is not in vainâit is a beacon of hope for Ethiopiaâs health professionals. The path we tread is not new. Health workers in other nations have fought similar battles and, through resilience, achieved lasting change.
Lessons from Global Struggles
In Kenya (2017): Doctors and nurses launched a historic 250-day strike over low wages and poor working conditions. Despite government pressure, threats of termination, and repression, they stood firm. Their perseverance led to improved career structures, workplace protections, and secured benefitsâa monumental victory proving that unity and endurance can bring structural change, even under immense pressure.
In Nigeria (2024): Under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), health professionals demonstrated the power of collective action. After a seven-day warning strike demanding better pay and working conditionsâdespite initial government resistanceâtheir persistence forced the federal government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This victory was not immediate; it was the result of years of strikes, negotiations, and relentless pressure. Their story reminds us that even small wins can pave the way for greater change.
Three months ago, we rose together to demand justice for the long-standing crises and unbearable conditions in our profession. We have raised our voices against this broken healthcare system. For a month, through strikes, we have paid the priceâfacing arrests, harassment, and dismissalsâyet we have boldly begun this fight for dignity and justice.
Though immediate challenges forced us to pause the first phase of our strike, our resolve has only strengthened. The fire of our struggle still burns fiercely, and now is the time to reignite it for our survival.
Dear colleagues, as we prepare to escalate this movement, let your hearts be filled with resilience and courage. We must draw inspiration from the victories of health professionals worldwide who have triumphed through perseverance. Our struggle is not in vainâit is a beacon of hope for Ethiopiaâs health professionals. The path we tread is not new. Health workers in other nations have fought similar battles and, through resilience, achieved lasting change.
Lessons from Global Struggles
In Kenya (2017): Doctors and nurses launched a historic 250-day strike over low wages and poor working conditions. Despite government pressure, threats of termination, and repression, they stood firm. Their perseverance led to improved career structures, workplace protections, and secured benefitsâa monumental victory proving that unity and endurance can bring structural change, even under immense pressure.
In Nigeria (2024): Under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), health professionals demonstrated the power of collective action. After a seven-day warning strike demanding better pay and working conditionsâdespite initial government resistanceâtheir persistence forced the federal government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This victory was not immediate; it was the result of years of strikes, negotiations, and relentless pressure. Their story reminds us that even small wins can pave the way for greater change.
In the United Kingdom (2023): Tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance workers staged the largest strike in NHS history, demanding fair wages amid soaring inflation and staff shortages. Through repeated strikes, public support, and sustained pressure, they secured commitments for improved pay and staffing solutions. Their long-term struggle proves that persistent collective action can shift the balance of power.
These examples highlight a universal truth: Change does not come from silence or fearâit comes from resilience, courage, and unity.
Our Struggle in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, our recent strike exposed systemic failures, including the alarming decline in health spendingâjust 2.85% of GDP, far below the Abuja Declarationâs 15% commitment.
We have faced arrests, intimidation, and pressureâsome of our colleagues remain detained. Yet, our one-month strike demonstrated our collective strength. Now, as we prepare to act again, we must remember: Our 12 demands are not just reasonableâthey are essential for all Ethiopians.
Some among you may feel fear or doubt, but history shows that courage spreads like wildfire. Every health professional who joins strengthens this movement. Every hospital and health centers that participates amplifies our voice. Remember: You are fighting not just for yourselves but for your patients, your communities, and the future of Ethiopiaâs healthcare system.
The Road Ahead
The path forward will be challenging, but it is through trials that victories are won. Kenyaâs 250-day resistance, Nigeriaâs negotiated triumphs, and the UKâs mass mobilizations prove that standing together can transform even the most entrenched systems.
If we remain silent or let fear paralyze us, we will remain trapped in the same cycle of neglect.
But if we unite and strike with unwavering determination, the day when our profession receives the respect and investment it deserves will not be far.
These examples highlight a universal truth: Change does not come from silence or fearâit comes from resilience, courage, and unity.
Our Struggle in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, our recent strike exposed systemic failures, including the alarming decline in health spendingâjust 2.85% of GDP, far below the Abuja Declarationâs 15% commitment.
We have faced arrests, intimidation, and pressureâsome of our colleagues remain detained. Yet, our one-month strike demonstrated our collective strength. Now, as we prepare to act again, we must remember: Our 12 demands are not just reasonableâthey are essential for all Ethiopians.
Some among you may feel fear or doubt, but history shows that courage spreads like wildfire. Every health professional who joins strengthens this movement. Every hospital and health centers that participates amplifies our voice. Remember: You are fighting not just for yourselves but for your patients, your communities, and the future of Ethiopiaâs healthcare system.
The Road Ahead
The path forward will be challenging, but it is through trials that victories are won. Kenyaâs 250-day resistance, Nigeriaâs negotiated triumphs, and the UKâs mass mobilizations prove that standing together can transform even the most entrenched systems.
If we remain silent or let fear paralyze us, we will remain trapped in the same cycle of neglect.
But if we unite and strike with unwavering determination, the day when our profession receives the respect and investment it deserves will not be far.
Therefore, we declare:
ï§ Over the next two months, we will organize across all health institutionsâhealth centers, primary hospitals, general hospitals, and specialized hospitalsâunder the Central Coordinating Boardâs guidance.
ï§ If the Prime Ministerâs office and relevant bodies fail to provide adequate and tangible solutions, we will resume a peaceful work stoppage starting Meskerem 5 (September 15).
ï§ We call on every health professional to prepare for this next phase.
For Structural Change in Ethiopiaâs Healthcare System!
ï§ Over the next two months, we will organize across all health institutionsâhealth centers, primary hospitals, general hospitals, and specialized hospitalsâunder the Central Coordinating Boardâs guidance.
ï§ If the Prime Ministerâs office and relevant bodies fail to provide adequate and tangible solutions, we will resume a peaceful work stoppage starting Meskerem 5 (September 15).
ï§ We call on every health professional to prepare for this next phase.
For Structural Change in Ethiopiaâs Healthcare System!
Through Unity, We Will Prevail!
© Ethiopian Health Professionalsâ Movement Board
Addis Ababa
Hamle 07, 2017 E.C.
© Ethiopian Health Professionalsâ Movement Board
Addis Ababa
Hamle 07, 2017 E.C.