Table 1 Subnational administrative bodies within the Ethiopia system, regional to local, in the Ethiopian health system
From: Subnational health management and the advancement of health equity: a case study of Ethiopia
Administrative Level | Name of health administrative unit | Key characteristics and administrative responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
Region | Regional Health Bureau | • Ethiopia has 11 Regional Health Bureaus. • Regional Health Bureaus coordinate and execute all activities in the health sector within the respective region. • Staff at Regional Health Bureaus translate and adapt national guidelines for regional contexts. • Funding is received from the National Ministry of Health (allocated based on population size of the region) and mostly earmarked for specific programs. |
Zone | Zonal Health Department | • Ethiopia has approximately 86 zones. • Zonal Health Departments convey guidelines and directives from the region to the woredas. • They provide technical and administrative support to woredas, and monitor their financial performance. |
District (Woreda) | Woreda Health Office | • The total number of urban and rural woredas in Ethiopia is more than 800, each with a catchment population of around 100,000. • Woreda-based health sector planning was introduced in HSTP-III (2005/06–2009/10). • Woreda Health Offices (together with PHCU staff) manage health care delivery issues, and perform monitoring and evaluation of health activities in the woreda. |
Local: Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) | PHCU | • A PHCU typically comprises 5 health posts and a health centre. Each PHCU serves a catchment population of about 25,000. • PHCUs employ directors and coordinators who function in management capacities. Management staff at the PHCU have a direct role in overseeing the delivery of care. |