Our work in Ethiopia began back in 2003 when we introduced services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (called PMTCT). We led the development of the first national PMTCT guidelines and worked with local partners to roll out innovative approaches like support groups and home-based services for mothers with HIV.

We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and our work still has a tight focus on maternal health—from improving emergency obstetric care to training community volunteers to prevent obstetric fistula.

And over the years we’ve seen results.

By prioritizing high-quality maternal and child health services, Ethiopia has dramatically reduced its child mortality rate and increased women’s access to and use of modern family planning methods. There are also indications that the rate of new HIV infections is declining.

Of course there’s still work to do to ensure every woman and family has access to the high-quality health services they need and the health workers that provide them.