Dr. Tewodros Adhanom said the fruits obtained through the efforts being made in the health sector would enable the country to meet the MDGs in time.

The Minister made the remark during a press conference he gave on Monday.

Dr. Tewodros said that the maternal mortality rate was 1,068 per 100,000 mothers 15 years ago, while the rate has now decreased to 671.

He said this number should be decreased to 267 in the year 2015.

Similarly the mortality rate of children under the age of five which was 200 per 1,000 has now decreased to 123.

There are plans to decrease the number to 47 with a view to meeting the MDGs.

The Minister said 2,500 health stations being constructed and to be constructed in all regional states would have a lot of contribution for the achievement of the MDGs in the sector.

Training is being offered to 4,468 health officers under a program designed to provide speedy and efficient training to health professionals.

He said 10,700 health posts constructed under a program called a health post for a kebele have already gone operational.

More than 24,500 health professionals were assigned to the health posts.

The country's health coverage service has reached to 86 percent, he said, and noted that besides expanding health facilities the government has been striving to improve quality of the health service.

The government is also striving to provide medication to HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis by attaching due attention to the prevention of the diseases.

R-7:16-7:44 PM

E- 7:45-7:53

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