Health

Ethiopian law grants refugees access to healthcare on par with nationals, as stipulated in the Refugees Proclamation. Although the Health Sector Transformation Plan (HSTP II) does not explicitly mention refugees, it implies their inclusion by providing equal treatment in healthcare access. The Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) coordinates and implements primary healthcare in refugee camps, funded by UNHCR, while the Ministry of Health (MoH) and regional health bureaus oversee healthcare for refugees outside camps. Regional healthcare laws aim to improve service quality, which can be interpreted to include refugees in non-camp settings.

Primary healthcare in Ethiopia is mainly provided by Primary Health Care Units (PHCUs), comprising health posts and centers, especially in rural areas. Refugees have access to secondary healthcare in zonal and regional hospitals and tertiary care primarily in Addis Ababa. In practice, UNHCR, RRS, and partners facilitate access to primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services. Serious medical cases are referred to appropriate facilities for advanced treatment. 

Ethiopian healthcare policies also guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health services. The HSTP II emphasizes universal access to family planning, reproductive health services, and quality abortion care. The Health Equity Strategic Plan supports investment in reproductive health services, including tailored approaches for refugees and other vulnerable groups. 

The Refugees Proclamation specifically addresses the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, with measures to protect them from gender-based violence. The HSTP II also includes initiatives to prevent and manage gender-based violence and child marriage, providing comprehensive care for survivors.

Mental health care is prioritized in Ethiopia's HSTP II, which includes promoting mental health, preventing common mental disorders, and ensuring access to treatment. The plan aims to integrate mental health services across all levels of the healthcare system and expand access to vulnerable populations, including refugees. Strategic initiatives focus on developing mental health legislation, enhancing coordination of care, and improving the availability of mental health services.