The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries allocate at least 15% of their annual government budget to the health sector. This standard, set by the 2001 Abuja Declaration, was endorsed by African Union (AU) member states to improve healthcare systems across the continent.
More than 20 years later, most African countries still fall short. As of 2021, only Cabo Verde (15.7%) and South Africa (15.3%) met the target. This helps explain why doctors in South Africa earn about $3,400 per month, while in Ethiopia, it's roughly 100$ per month.
In 2024, Ethiopia allocated just 7% of its budget to health. While that matches the African average, it’s still well below WHO’s recommendation.
Empty Promises, No Protection
Ethiopia’s repeated failure to meet the 15% health budget target shows a lack of real commitment. Year after year, only about 7% goes to health — despite talk of reforms.
How can a NURSE, MIDWIFE, or PHYSICIAN survive when:
Salaries remain stagnant, yet food and housing prices skyrocket?
The government shows ZERO URGENCY to adjust pay based on inflation?
Final Word: Respect Health Workers or Risk Collapse
Health workers are trapped between survival and service. They need urgent support — not slogans.
Khalifa Abu[PH MPH]