Stories
November 4, 2025 • 2 min read
The Gedera Health Post in East Hararghe had nearly ceased operations due to years of structural deterioration. With Irish Aid support through Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership (ICSP), GOAL partnered with the local community and health workers to restore the facility. The renovation enabled the resumption of essential services, including prenatal and postnatal care. Community education efforts have also led to improved health outcomes, including increased facility-based deliveries and a reduction in child malnutrition.
In Ethiopia’s East Hararghe zone, access to primary healthcare was limited by ageing infrastructure and resource constraints. The Gedera Health Post, a vital facility for maternal and child health, had become nearly unusable after years of wear and tear. GOAL has been working in the region to strengthen health and nutrition services. As part of the ongoing 5-year ICSP programme, Gedera Health Post has been prioritized for renovation and community engagement.
A Joint Effort to Restore Health Services
Conducting a needs assessment and evaluating the level of damage the facility endured, GOAL initiated a collaborative renovation process, engaging the health post staff and local residents. “We discussed with kebele structure in the presence of Meta woreda health office representatives, health centre director and with community representatives, and we agreed on shared responsibilities”, said Zenebe Girma, Senior WASH Officer at GOAL’s Meta office. “The community contributed Eucalyptus purlin and labour, the health centre supported with sand, and GOAL supplied all industrial materials such as corrugated iron sheets, different size nails, two colour paints and a few more construction materials.” Thanks to this partnership, the facility was successfully renovated and is now fully operational, offering essential services such as antenatal care, immunizations, and health consultations.
Empowering Communities Through Health Education
Alongside infrastructure improvements, GOAL has been facilitating regular health education sessions through mothers’ and fathers’ groups. These sessions cover topics such as family planning, child nutrition, and maternal health. Fayo Kati, a 25-year-old mother of two, regularly attends the mothers’ group health education and discussion sessions. “I learn a lot from the group,” she said. “Now I understand that I need to be prepared to raise the children I bring into the world. I may have more children, but only if I have the means to raise them well.” These discussions are helping families make informed decisions and adopt healthier practices.
Measurable Improvements in Health Outcomes
The impact of these efforts is already evident. According to Nesha Mohammed, Senior Health and Nutrition Officer at GOAL’s Meta office, the program has brought remarkable improvements in maternal and child health outcomes.
“There were many challenges when we first started the intervention,” Nesha noted. “However, through the integrated implementation of Community Health Promoters, Reproductive Health Promoters, Care Groups, and Men’s Health Groups across the kebeles, we have seen significant progress. Antenatal care follow-up increased from 62% to 87%, institutional delivery rose from 60% to 83%, and contraceptive utilization improved from 67% to 85%.”
Today, the health post has become a hub for learning and care, where parents regularly gather to discuss health and nutrition issues. Through the continued support of Irish Aid, and active community engagement, GOAL is helping to build a healthier, more resilient future.
